@ Schorsch: you are just partially right: Solenoid does not get ground via starter motor. There is no ground cable from Solenoid to starter Motor, and thick cable deliveres power to starter motor. Ground is being delivered via contact to Engine side cover. And - Solenoid bridges two thick cables inside when being engaged. There is the opportunity that contact surfaces are corroded and they don't bridge. This can be checked: is there any power Output on the shorter fixing bolt of Solenoid when the start button is being pushed.

Jürgen

Hello Ricky

I have read the thread very carefully and the correct diagnostic approach is here. It will help to find if it is your solenoid or starter motor that is faulty.

Reference your previous note and photo. The live from the battery does connect to the big connector.

So here goes, I'm not being patronising just need to write it all down so it is clear in my own head.

The solenoid does two things. 1. There is a coil that pulls in an armature and 2. two contacts that are connected, by the armature, to energise the starter motor. (Hope that makes sense.)

If the starter motor is clicking then the solenoid coil must be OK and is pulling the armature in. So that side is OK. As the starter motor is not spinning you can't have a problem with the starter clutch or engagement gears in the side cover of the engine.

Therefore the two contacts in the solenoid may not be engaging. The way to test this is to place a screw driver or short piece of wire between the two large connectors on the solenoid. (As George has stated previously in the thread.)This effectively short circuits the solenoid. This definately works as I have just done this on my bike.

If the motor spins at this point your starter motor is OK. If the starter motor does not spin then your solenoid is probably OK and you may have a problem with your starter motor.

Hope that is all clear. Best of luck
Kevin