Starter won’t work

[Rewkywing31]

I have a 85’ Goldwing 1200GL, the starter won’t work. I press the button and just get a click out of the starter solenoid. I’ve replaced the solenoid, checked the fuses, checked the battery. I’ve tried jumping the solenoid posts and nothing, I’ve tried connecting jumpers from a car directly to the starter and nothing. I’m starting to think it’s the starter. I can push start it but that’s it. Any help would be great, thanks.

[Maz]

I have a 85’ Goldwing 1200GL, the starter won’t work. I press the button and just get a click out of the starter solenoid. I’ve replaced the solenoid, checked the fuses, checked the battery. I’ve tried jumping the solenoid posts and nothing, I’ve tried connecting jumpers from a car directly to the starter and nothing. I’m starting to think it’s the starter. I can push start it but that’s it. Any help would be great, thanks.

Use a meter to check for 12v on the terminals on top of the solenoid. One should show 12v all the time, the other only when you press the button. If this checks OK, measure for 12v at the stud on the starter when you press the button. If this checks out OK, your starter is no good. As you say you've connected a car battery straight to the starter, I would agree that the starter is bad. Possibly just the brushes. It's worth stripping it to take a look before buying a new one.
Maz

[DaveO430]

I’ve tried jumping the solenoid posts and nothing, I’ve tried connecting jumpers from a car directly to the starter and nothing. I’m starting to think it’s the starter.

That pretty well confirms the starter is bad.

[LeMaitre]

Had a similar experience on my '85 GL1200A. Tried replacing the solenoid first but then had to replace the starter. Removing the stater is not that bad it is all the other parts that are in the way which can cause grief. Loosen the crash bars, remove the bolts from the exhaust. The left rearward exhaust stud will need to be removed to make room for the starter. Hopefully yours comes out mine broke.

-Mark