Starting problems

[buzza]

Hi Guys,
I have been experiencing a starting problem with my 1981 R65ls. It began with reluctant starting and I have since rebuilt the carbs, replaced the plug leads and replaced the coil. The bike started several weeks ago and ran well...increase in top end power due to replaced diaphrams etc was really noticable. Now all I get is the solenoid clacking but no starter motor action. I bench tested the starter motor and it ran freely using the battery from the bike. The battery was tested and appears ok. I cleaned all connections and all appears ok.
Can the starter relay allow power to the solenoid but also be faulty?....I cannot hear any click in the relay when I press the starter button.        Confused

[Bob_Roller]

When you attempt to start the engine, what is the battery voltage after you press the starter button and hold it ??

You can remove the start relay under the tank and place a jumper wire across the load terminals in the connector, that will take the relay out of the start circuit .

The starter should rotate, and all of the safety interlocks are bypassed when you do this, so make sure the transmission is in neutral if you try this .

[mrclubike]

Is the motor locked up

[buzza]

Thanks for the response. The motor is not locked up.
When I attempt to start it the volts are 11.5v across the battery and no luck bypassing the relay, just the solenoid clunk.
I have tried another battery with the same result.

[montmil]

You might consider lifting off the starter cover and checking all electrical connections to the starter. Also confirm the main ground cable is in good condition and secure at both ends.

Remove the wire to the battery's NEG terminal prior to poking around with the starter, etc.

[mrclubike]

Remove the top cover check your cranking voltage at the starter positive battery cable and the negative at  the starter case if it is around 11.5 and the starter solenoid  is pulling in then the starter or the solenoid is bad  or the start lead is getting low voltage

Move your positive meter lead to to the start terminal on the solenoid (that is the small wire)check voltage there during cranking it should be close to 11,5  
If it is move the positive lead to between the solenoid and starter if the voltage is very low then it may just be the solenoid  is bad.
Or the starter is just locked up. Without  an amp meter you cant tell but I would think if the starter was locked up your cranking voltage would go lower than 11.5 volts.

The parts are available for these starter if you want to try to rebuild it.