yamaha fzr400 (1989). the lights come on but wen try to start theres a clicking noise the battery died but it charges an stays charged, ive been told its the solenoid starter wen you move it the noise changes as if there a loose conection or faulty could this be making the battery die an would it prevent the bike starting

carla, March 2011

Not sure on bikes, but would think same as cars, the starter solenoid, puts power to the starter motor, yes you will get a click as it pulls in, But could also be the starter motor is stuck in. By itself, it will not stop the engine from starting, Last bike I had was kick start anyway, none of this fancy electric start. Trick with cars, if starter stuck in, is put in gear and rock back and forth a couple of times, that might free it, another trick, was to tap the starter motor on the end, a sharp jolt, again can free it, If either of them work, it is starter motor sticking, it really needs to be taken out and cleaned, if that does not work, could be solenoid, It could be bypassed, taking the supply from battery direct to starter motor, But not recommended unless, you know what you are doing

Sheepdog, March 2011