MotorCycles

Solving the Click: Motorcycle Starter Motor Issues Explained

Why Is My Motorcycle S Starter Motor Making A Clicking Sound

You’re all suited up and ready to ride, but your motorcycle has other plans.

You hit the start button and are met with a disheartening clicking sound.

It’s a common issue that can stop your two-wheeled adventure before it even starts.

Understanding why your motorcycle’s starter motor is just clicking instead of roaring to life is crucial.

It’s often a sign of an underlying issue that you can’t ignore.

Let’s dive into the possible causes and get you back on the road in no time.

Common Symptoms of a Clicking Starter Motor

When you’re faced with the puzzling scenario of your motorcycle’s starter motor making a clicking sound, it’s crucial to recognize the accompanying symptoms.

These signs can point you toward the root cause and, ultimately, the right solution.

First up, listen closely: the click you hear is typically a single, sharp sound occurring when you attempt to start the engine.

This is a telltale indicator that your bike is trying but failing to kick into action.

Pay attention to whether the clicking is repetitive or a one-time occurrence each time you hit the start button.

Next, check if there are signs of power: Your headlights and dashboard lights may dim or flicker when you engage the starter.

This could signal an issue with your battery or its connections and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Also, be aware of response inconsistencies.

Sometimes your motorcycle might start fine but on other occasions, it just clicks.

This intermittent behavior is often a red flag pointing towards a faltering electrical component.

Lastly, consider any recent changes or repairs done to your bike.

If the clicking started post-service, the problem might be linked to the work performed, especially if it involved the electrical system.

By piecing together these symptoms, you’re better equipped to troubleshoot the clicking starter motor.

Remember, your observations are key to pinpointing the issue and finding a solution that gets you back to riding smoothly.

Low Battery Voltage

When you’re trying to diagnose why your motorcycle’s starter motor is just clicking, one of the first things to check is the battery voltage.

A low battery is often the culprit behind starting issues.

Your motorcycle’s starter motor requires a significant amount of electrical current to turn the engine over.

If the battery doesn’t have enough charge, it simply can’t provide the necessary power.

To assess your motorcycle’s battery health, you’ll want to use a voltmeter or multimeter.

A healthy, fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts or higher.

If the reading is below 12 volts, that’s a strong indicator that the battery is discharged to a point where it may not be able to start the engine.

Here’s a quick reference for battery voltage levels and their corresponding state of charge:

Voltage State of Charge
12.6V+ Fully charged
12.4V 75% charged
12.2V 50% charged
12.0V 25% charged
<12.0V Discharged

If your battery is showing a charge level of 75% or lower, it’s a good idea to charge it before attempting to start your motorcycle again.

Remember, your bike’s lights and accessories might still work with a low battery, but starting an engine requires much more power.

Environmental factors can also contribute to battery discharge.

Cold weather, in particular, can deplete battery charge faster and reduce its ability to provide the necessary starting current.

Keep this in mind if you’re experiencing starting problems during cooler temperatures.

Regular maintenance, including periodically checking and charging your motorcycle’s battery, can help prevent the dreaded clicking noise and ensure your bike is ready to ride when you are.

Faulty Starter Solenoid

After ensuring your motorcycle’s battery is sufficiently charged, you might still face the clicking sound dilemma.

This often points to a Faulty Starter Solenoid.

The solenoid is an electrical switch that plays a critical role in starting your motorcycle.

It transfers electricity from the battery to the starter motor when you turn the ignition key or push the start button.

When a solenoid fails, it’s typically due to broken internal contacts or a coil winding fault.

These issues result in a lack of electrical connection and the inability to send the required current to the starter motor.

The telltale sign is a clicking sound each time you attempt to start the engine; it’s the sound of the solenoid trying and failing to create a connection.

To diagnose a starter solenoid issue:

  • Listen for a single loud click coming from under the seat or the side cover where the solenoid is typically located.
  • Check the electrical current using a test light or multimeter at the solenoid’s input and output wires.

    If the input has power but the output doesn’t, your solenoid is likely at fault.

  • Ensure the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free, as poor connections can mimic solenoid failure.

Regular inspection of the starter solenoid’s health can save you from a frustrating experience down the line.

If testing confirms the solenoid is defective, replacing it is generally the best course of action.

Always refer to your motorcycle’s manual for the appropriate testing and replacement procedures or consult a professional mechanic for expert services.

Worn Out Starter Motor Brushes

When you’re trying to start your motorcycle and encounter a persistent clicking sound, it’s crucial to consider the condition of the starter motor brushes.

These small components play a key role in transmitting electrical current from the stationary parts of the motor to the rotating section.

Worn-out brushes can directly impact the efficiency of your starter motor.

Symptoms of worn brushes include intermittent starting issues or a decline in the motor’s power output.

Over time, brushes can become shorter due to regular wear and tear.

This reduction in size prevents them from making proper contact with the armature, leading to insufficient electrical conductivity and, consequently, the dreaded clicking sound.

To diagnose this issue:

  • Examine the length of the brushes.

    They should not be shorter than the manufacturer’s recommended length.

  • Look for signs of uneven wear or chipping which could indicate irregular contact with the armature.

In the event that the brushes are clearly worn out, replacing them is advisable.

Not only does this help prevent further damage to the starter motor, but it’s also a relatively inexpensive fix compared to other potential problems.

Be sure you’re consulting your motorcycle’s service manual for the correct specifications and procedures for replacing these critical components.

Damaged Starter Motor Gears

When your motorcycle’s starter motor makes a clicking noise, another culprit could be Damaged Starter Motor Gears.

The gears are responsible for transferring power from the starter motor to the engine’s flywheel, allowing the engine to turn over.

If these gears are damaged, the energy transfer becomes inefficient or may fail altogether.

To determine if the gears are to blame, you’ll need to inspect them for visible signs of wear or damage.

Look for:

  • Teeth that are broken or missing
  • Gears that have a shiny or polished look, indicating slippage
  • Metal shavings or debris around the gear area

Without properly functioning starter motor gears, your motorcycle’s engine won’t crank, leading to the frustrating clicking sound.

If you find evidence of gear damage, these components should be repaired or replaced promptly.

Regular maintenance can prevent gear wear to some extent, but over time they may still succumb to the stresses of repetitive engagement.

Choosing high-quality replacement gears and ensuring correct installation is critical for long-term functionality and performance of your motorcycle’s starter system.

Remember: Always disconnect your motorcycle’s battery before attempting any repair work to avoid injury or electrical issues.

Checking and maintaining your bike’s starter motor gear health is part of responsible motorcycle ownership and can save you time and money down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my motorcycle make a clicking sound when starting?

The clicking sound when starting a motorcycle may indicate an issue with the electrical system, such as a drained battery or poor connections.

It could also be due to problems like damaged starter motor gears.

What are the signs of damaged starter motor gears?

Signs of damaged starter motor gears include visible wear or damage, such as broken or missing teeth, a shiny or polished look indicating slippage, or the presence of metal shavings or debris around the gear area.

What should I do if I find gear damage on my motorcycle?

If gear damage is found, you should repair or replace the damaged gears promptly.

It is crucial to choose high-quality replacement gears and ensure they are installed correctly.

How can I prevent starter motor gear wear?

Regular maintenance can help prevent gear wear.

However, even with maintenance, gears may still become damaged over time due to regular use.

Is it necessary to disconnect the motorcycle’s battery before repair work?

Yes, disconnecting the motorcycle’s battery before any repair work is essential for safety and to prevent electrical issues during the repair process.

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About the author

Tim

As a fervent motorcycle enthusiast, Tim brings a rich tapestry of experience and passion to TheMotorGuy.com. With a heart that beats in sync with the roar of bike engines, he has spent years exploring the intricacies of motorcycles, from the adrenaline rush of modifications to the meticulous details of repair. Tim's writing is not just informed by a deep technical understanding, but also by an unwavering love for the freedom and adventure that motorcycles embody. Whether it's sharing tips on enhancing bike performance or guiding readers through complex repairs, Tim is dedicated to empowering fellow motorcycle aficionados with knowledge and inspiring them to turn their two-wheeled dreams into reality.