First ride of the year - M900 left me stranded

[Destructobot]

Short version:  Lights up fine with the key on, nothing happens when I hit the starter.  I suspect a bad starter solenoid or the connection to it from the ignition.

Long version:  '99 M900, took it out of the garage for the first time in 2016 today.  Charged the battery and it fired up without too much trouble.  Let it run in the driveway for 15 minutes or so, idled like normal.  Rode about a mile to the gas station and filled it up with fresh gas.  It started again without issue.  Rode about 20 miles then stopped at a friend's house.  Next time I tried to start it lit up but wouldn't start - push the button and nothing happens (no clicking, no starter, no light dimming). 

I had an issue late last year where I turned the bike off....and it kept running.  I pulled all the fuses, kept running.  Finally pulled the battery cables to stop it.  I figured out it was the starter cranking uncontrollably, and discovered that the little connector on the solenoid was a bit loosey goosey.  Snugged it back in properly and it worked like normal.  Today that was the first thing I thought of, but pulling it out and reseating it (tough to reach the little thing through the side of the frame) didn't do anything.  Tried to push start it and nearly succeeded, but the house I was at has a huge shop so I just left it there and hitched a ride home.


So....I presume the first thing would be to pull the connection to the solenoid and put a meter on it.  Should be +12v when the starter button is engaged, right?  If that looks good, then I'm guessing the solenoid is the culprit.  Any suggestions/thoughts? 

[Howie]

Yes, but before replacing the solenoid make sure that white connector fits tightly.  Nothing at the connection, post back.

[koko64]

How did you go?
Sounds like that battery was also worth testing.

[Destructobot]

Haven't been back out to my friend's to test it yet.  I think the battery is AOK, never had a problem with it holding charge.