Starting issue...

So I took my bike out last night to work, it was a little chilly here around 47 degrees. It had a little trouble starting out of the drive way, I figured it was ok once i got it started because the motorcycle would charge the battery. So it ran fine on the way to work. Once I got off, I pushed the start button once and it tried to start and then clicking ensued. If I waited a little while it would try to start, and then click again. Did this a couple times, then ended up push starting it to get it home so I didn't have to try to find a trailer.
So this morning I went out and have 12.77 on the battery. The first time I pushed the start button it did try to fire and voltage dropped only to 11.7x then it wouldn't start again. voltage with key on is 12.6x, but all that happens is starter solenoid just clicks.

Looking for some ideas.
Thanks

 

First, check all connections, especially for corrosion at battery connections and battery grounding cable to engine connection. A load test on the battery - done at any battery supply outlet - can verify if the battery is starting to fail.

 

I checked ground from the strap to the battery is good. And I took battery in they said it tested good. Which other connections should I test?

 

So I checked as much as I know with my volt meter everything had power and ground was good. Just for backyard sake I hit the started a couple times and it did turn over. Is this a coincidence??

 

you need to do a load test .
hook meter to battery and check voltage when starter button is pushed , what does the voltage drop to?

below 9.5 volts starter will spin but tci will not fire = bike wont start.

how old is your battery?
is it full ?
add distilled water only.

batteries do not like cold weather when they get old.

you may have a failing solenoid, have you tried shorting the 2 posts together to start bike?

 

^^^+1 what XJ550H said !!!! Even new batteries can have bad cells (lots of Chinese batteries low quality) battery may show 12v and you hit starter and it drops way down. Another item is the starter button itself the terminals can and do corrode especially if bike sits outside , start solenoid is also on list to ck. The other question ,have you replaced fuse block? the original after 30 yrs is well most likely not in perfect shape.

 

Load test on battery at the shop turned out good.
when starter is pushed it drops to about 11.5
Battery age is unknown but appears to be fairly new, when i got the bike i filled it with distilled water... and its still full.
So I have voltage to the starter, it just wont turn unless i tap it a few times with the rubber mallet, once i tapped the starter it started right up no problem. but once i warmed it up and killed the engine, it did the same thing.
everything seems to have correct voltage, that i know to check
Fuse block is brand new. I did clean all connections to ground, battery, and connections to starter solenoid.

 

If you have to hit your started to get it going you may just need to clean/fix the brushes inside the starter or get a new one from my experience.

 

A brush kit is cheap think I paid less than 20$ .. Just changed my brushes and greased reduction gear.. Starter sounds much better. I've. Rebuilt several starters these are easy, I'd aim for starter there are threads with pictures in the how to link.

 

+3 Time to rebuild the starter. Easy peasy.
Replacing your starter motor brushes w/ pics

 

Thanks for the replys! I'll order the kit tonight! It was a Cold 47 here in Iowa bump starting the ol lady last night!