M900 Intermittant starting issue has arisen....HELP!!!

[118811]

Hello guys...I need your collective thoughts as how to proceed!!
I tried starting my 98 M900 yesterday...all i got was a "click"..lights and gauges were bright, when trying the starter button.
no attempt by engine to turn over.
I hook up a Costco charger box...bike starts right up.
I proceed to buy & install a new battery.
"CLICK"....WTF!!!
after a few minutes rolling the bike back into its position in the garage
I again attempt to start...it starts right up!!
Turn it off. try again I get the click!!!
MAC & all others what would you suggest !!

Thanks
Frederick

[Speed 3 Pilot]

Make sure the leads to the battery are free of corrosion and are properly tightened to the battery terminals...

[MadDuck]

Make sure the leads to the battery are free of corrosion and are properly tightened to the battery terminals...

+1

That plus you need to find out where the click is coming from. Is it from the starter motor under the front of the engine or is it from the relay up under the rear right of the gas tank?

[118811]

Thanks for the replies
it seems to me the "click" is coming from the relay under the right rear of tank

Q
if bike starts will the relay cause the bike to stall
or is it mostly a restart issue?

Thanks

[MadDuck]

The big relay only runs the starter motor. It won't ever cause a stall.

EDIT:

Just because the relay clicks and the starter doesn't run doesn't mean that the relay is bad. It might or might not be. This is where a volt meter, or at least a test light, is needed. The volt meter is best because you can read the actual voltage at various connections. If no voltage is getting out of the relay to the starter motor then the relay is bad. If the relay clicks and voltage is being applied to the starter motor then there is a problem in the starter.

I know it's frustrating. Everyone wants it to be simple and easy to do without having to have the tools and the knowledge to use them properly. Every time I explain a proper diagnostic procedure most everyone wants a shortcut. More often than not every time a short cut is tried it only causes longer diagnostic times and sometimes unnecessary expense.

[118811]

 
Guilty, Guilty, Guilty!!
Yes, I don't know how to use the electrical tools
& yes i want a QUICK< CHEAP fix!!!!
that is why I am listening to you, MAC...instead of buying the Yama relay!!!
see you Sat.
Aloha,
Frederick

[118811]

I wanted to say thanks again to you Mac for trying to help me with relay diagnosis on Sat!!
Too bad the 900 had performance anxiety
but so  that I am prepared, I ordered up a relay.

FYI....a speedo cable from SS for the 900 M is only $35!!!

Thanks again

Frederick

[MadDuck]

I wanted to say thanks again to you Mac for trying to help me with relay diagnosis on Sat!!
Too bad the 900 had performance anxiety
but so  that I am prepared, I ordered up a relay.

FYI....a speedo cable from SS for the 900 M is only $35!!!

Thanks again

Frederick

Yay!  --- How good is that? ! ?

You are most welcome.