85 XJ700 Mystery Starter Issues

Hello all, I am new here and hoping somebody can help me out. I'm a new motorcycle owner and rider and bought an '85 xj700 maxim a few months ago. I've been having problems with the starter/electrical systems from the beginning, replaced the battery and voltage regulator so far but an issue still remains where I can turn the bike on and lights will come on, but when I go to press the starter all I hear is a 'click' coming from the general area of the battery as well as the oil light coming on when I press the button, though I think that happens to matter what. So far the only solution I've been able to come up with is bump starting it which is no easy task on a 700cc bike, so I'm hoping to fix this issue and be able to reliably start it! This issue is not constant, it does start normally sometimes, the issue does not seem to begin under any noticeable conditions and I am stumped on what to do. I'm guessing it's something electrical, maybe starter or alternator? Hoping someone may have also had this issue and will know what I can do to fix it, happy there is a forum dedicated to this specific bike model!

 

Hi,
When you hit the starter button it activates the starter solenoid, the click noise normally not heard, this in turn connects the starter motor directly to the positive on the battery through itself.

So one of two things is happening.
The starter solenoid isn't achieving the connection or the starter motor is faulty.

The solenoid is easily replaced and the starter motor is normally easily refurbished.

That is where you are at.

Although bump starting is excellent exercise.

 

Hey cds,

Thanks for the reply. Solenoid seems good as current is running through properly and jumping the terminals did not fix the issue. Judging from what others have said I'm thinking the starter motor brushes may just not be making proper contact. I order new brushes but sadly I don't seem to be able to disconnect the old copper wire from the terminal post so I had to order a new starter brush plate. Hoping that fixes the issue.

 

The best way to save money is to become a good troubleshooter. That takes time and some tools. You are on the right track to keep asking questions and searching the forum for other threads that have had the same issue. The better you troubleshoot, the more money you will save.

Welcome to the forum; enjoy that new bike and ride safe.