Solenoid dies so soon?

Hi everyone--
So I rode my '85 Yamaha XJ700 to the gym yesterday and she seemed to be running great. However, when I got back on the bike afterwards and pressed the starter nothing happens. Didn't appear to be the battery - all of the lights, including the neutral and oil lights, appeared fine. I was able to come back and get the bike running by bridging the solenoid. From what I've read on here, that's a good sign that I need to replace the solenoid. However, I just replaced the thing two months ago. Should these things die so quickly?! Or should I be looking for other problems? I've glanced at some of the other relays and they appear fine though I've yet to pull out the voltmeter. When I press the starter I can only hear a VERY faint click from behind the battery.

I don't mind having to use a screwdriver to start it up everytime, but I'd rather not...

Thanks for any help!

 

Have you checked the starter button?

 

Check out the how to Gamaru did on the starting system. Helps you to find out for sure where the issue is.

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... start.html

Worked great for me last night when I had issues.

 

if the solenoid clicks. logic would dictate the starter button working.

did you buy it new? might be defective and under warranty. if you bought it used. it's probably just luck of the draw to be tired and worn out like the original. they are after all, almost 30 years old.

does the starter crank over pretty fast. cuz if it's slow. it might be pulling down too much amperage and that would fry the solenoid.

 

You can attach a Test Light to the Solenoid and see if Power is going down to the Starter.

THIS Test Light is ... Dollar for Dollar ... THE Absolute BEST ONE you are going to get
Not only does it LIGHT.
It has SOUND too! -- -- -- $12.00 Twelve lousy bucks!
http://www.rjtool.com/p-1354-circuit-so ... an-72.aspx
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When the Starter don't spin and the Solenoid is Good.
Douche the Starter Commutator.

Pull the Starter.
Undo the two long bolts.
EASE the Electric side away from the Motor Case.
When you have just enough room to shoot some Electrical Contact Renew and Cleaner in there ... shoot.
Don't stop until what's coming-out is as clean as what you are spraying -in!

Clean-out all the Carbon Dust.
Eyeball the Brushes.
Be prepared to replace them if there ain't much left.