Problems starting

[Rik]

This is my first posting so I should start by saying hello. I am in the midst of rebuilding my 1987 Tenere which I bought about 10 months or so ago. Had used it as a winter hack but took pity on it, not least because of the god awful paint job the previous owner had used. Its b=never going to be a show winner bugt I want to make it a least half presentable. Things I have learned since owning the bike (1) Its bloody hard to kick over (2) sourcing replacement sidepanels are as hard as winning the lottery (3) I had forgotten how basic 1980s bikes could be after owning a number of sports bikes.

Wondered if I could ask for help please - I am having problems starting the bike using the electric starter. It had been working fine but when I now push the starter button all I get is a loud click from the starter relay. Have replaced that, without success as well as replacement starter motor too, but all to no avail. Battery is brand new and fully charged so that aint the problem either. Any remedies would be much appreciated before I really lose the plot

Thanlks

[xtzrick]

Sounds like you have a broken wire or dirty contacts.
If the contacts are clean check the thick wires from your +ve battery terminal to the relay & the one from the relay to the starter motor.

If you have jump leads, make sure the bike is in neutral then connect 1 end of a lead to the battery +ve & touch the other end on the starter motor terminal, the motor should spin. Just to make sure you've not bought a duff motor

Starter relays click, it's one way of knowing your starter button is working so keep the old relay as a spare or until you check the continuity across the terminals.

&

Rick

[Mezo]

Sounds like the relay to me, and welcome Rik.

Mezo.

[Rik]

Still no joy even after connecting starter motor (both the old and replacement one) direct from +ive terminal on battery using jump cable as suggested in earlier response Cant think what else to try so looks like the Tenere is going to remain dormant in the garage - I hate electrics

[GeoffD]

Still no joy even after connecting starter motor (both the old and replacement one) direct from +ive terminal on battery using jump cable as suggested in earlier response Cant think what else to try so looks like the Tenere is going to remain dormant in the garage - I hate electrics

Take your jump leads & attach the black one to the earth terminal on the battery & attach the other end to the body of the starter, now take the red lead & attach one end to the positive terminal on the battery & touch the other end on the terminal of the starter (where the wire from the solenoid fits) if it's still just clicking, remove the starter & try again.... Try using the battery on your/a car....if the starter isn't turning then it's probably knackered...