GL1100 just Clicks the solenoid

I think the headlight should go out when the starter button is pressed. At least it does on the later Goldwings. You will need to bypass the solenoid and see it the starter motor kicks in.

The headlight should go out when the starter button is pushed.

If the solenoid clicks but you have no starter action jump directly from the battery to the starter. If it starts then you have a bad solenoid or wiring.

If it still doesn't start do the starter clean you'll find in the How To section.

I had a similar problem with mine, start cold, but not hot. Cleaning the starter helped but the starter was original and at 30 years old and needing the commutator bars turned it was cheaper to go with one from DBElectric.com. They are currently selling for $84.90.
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-6641-...wing-starter-gl1100-80-81-82-83-goldwing.aspx

I have one from them and its been good.

Hope this helps.

Thanks to OP for posting the question, it was the second one in my search results for 'solenoid'. This site is great! :claps:

Last night the son and I went out to finally get the bike started but have the same situation. Mine cranked a couple of revs then the dreaded solenoid click.

Question:
When jumping direct to the starter does anything need to be disconnected (solenoid) or is it just a jumper wire from battery + to to the connection post on starter with the key on?

Thanks
VK

BBQWing, I see you are a fellow Minnesotan. Dennis Kirk sells starters for our 1100s. You can order the part online and either have it delivered or go pick it up. I have ordered aftermarket parts from them and have been satisfied with the quality and reliability. You can find them at Denniskirk.com. Oh yeah, they're even open on Sundays.

BBQWing said:

Question:
When jumping direct to the starter does anything need to be disconnected (solenoid) or is it just a jumper wire from battery + to to the connection post on starter with the key on?

Thanks
VK

Click to expand...

If you jump to the starter post it bypasses the solenoid. If you are trying to make the bike run you need the ignition switch on and once the bike starts you need to remove the jumper cable otherwise the starter is still turning whilst the bike is running.

Thanks guys! Before jumpering I wanted to be sure I wasn't going to cause any more problems.

If DKirk's Twin Cities distribution center is still in same location I'm just minutes from it.

My dad owned the bike before me and I helped him put a different starter (salvage) in it about 6 years ago. I did a cleanup on my CB750C starter probably about the same time. I recall that one wasn't too tough to do, I imagine the Wing's is about the same. Definitely will look at the tech how-to.

Thanks again!