1982 XJ 650 Maxim Starting Problem

Need help please, my Maxim 650 won't start when I try to start the solenoid switch just makes a clicking noise. Any ideas what the problem is?

Thanks...

 

Welcome. What is the state of your battery? Age? These bikes need a very healthy battery before they come to life. How long have you had the bike? We need a whole lot more info!

 

Hi, thanks for the reply...

Battery should be good, it's about 3 years old, I keep it on a trickle charge over the winter months, I had it running the day before.

Thanks,

 

Try cranking it over with the charger connected to the battery while the charger is switched to the high rate of charge?

 

If you clean the battery, solenoid and starter terminals it may start. If not, If you jump the terminals on the solenoid and the bike starts immediately (so you're bypassing the solenoid) then it's your solenoid that's failing. - A very fast & simple fix too.

 

These bikes are known to be hard on the batteries. Chances are with a 3 year old battery you are looking at a need to replace it. Motorcycle batteries are not built the same as car batteries.. they aren't as durable nor do they have the long lifespan of a car battery.

Take the battery to a local auto parts store and have them load test the battery. (Advance, AutoZone, and PepBoys here in the States all can do this)

 

I'm betting on you needing to replace the battery. These bikes need a strong healthy battery. And three years is pushing it.

 

Thanks all for your help, I'll check all ( solenoid & battery) and let you know which it was.

Thanks,