GL1100 just Clicks the solenoid

4544 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by BBQWing, Jun 5, 2013

gjones303

Discussion Starter · Jun 3, 2013

Ok, 1981 GL1100 have the Battery tested no dead cells 90% charged
Clean all cables Ends both sides Bike starts and runs one time I kill it and now it still just clicks at the solenoid and Headlight goes out then starter button is pushed is it the Solenoid or Starter or ??? Help thank you

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GWNorman

· #2 · Jun 3, 2013

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.

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fgh

· #3 · Jun 4, 2013

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.

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BBQWing

· #4 · Jun 5, 2013

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

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longrider

· #5 · Jun 5, 2013

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.

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Ansimp

· #6 · Jun 5, 2013

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

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.

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BBQWing

· #7 · Jun 5, 2013

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!

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