Starter issues

I've got a 1983 XJ750 midnight maxim which I've have for about 2 years. It runs well but I've had a little but of trouble with the battery and now the starter.

When I turn the bike on, the head lights come on but when I hit the start button the lights cut and there is a click from by the battery. I have put the battery back on a tender but even on a full charge it doesn't start. I've push started it and it ran fine but as soon as I cut the engine it would not start up.

Is this a problem with the starter solenoid or do I have to do a starter rebuild? I'm teetering a line between fixing the bike and saving it or selling the bike because of additional problems with it. The oil drain plug is stripped so it is difficult to change the oil, as well as enduring two outdoor winters with accumulated rust. I would prefer to save it but I can't afford to cover all my costs in time to ride for summer.

 

I think you need to get the battery load tested, or just get new one if it came with the bike.
The headlight is on a seperate relay that cuts power to the light during starting.
The click you hear is the starter solenoid engaging. It is possible that the secondary side of the solenoid contacts are bad, but the battery needs to be checked first.