Jumper starter

[Blitzen]

The starter on my 86 doesn't work.   Push the stater button and nada.  The battery is good.   So I need to determine if the solenoid is the problem or if its the starter.  Naturally I don't have a manual.   So what the easiest way to try jumpering (bypassing the solenoid) the starter?  I really hoping you won't tell I have to pull the starter.

Thanks,
Don

[oldktmdude]

   Try shorting across the two large terminals on the starter solenoid with a piece of heavy electrical cable. Be careful not to ground the cable on any framework of the bike as it could cause a fire. If your starter turns over, the problem might be the solenoid. You should also check that you are getting power to the switch side of the solenoid from your starter button. Check this with a multimeter. While you're using the multimeter, also check that the other switch terminal on the solenoid is earthed. Before you do any of this, make sure your KILL SWITCH is in the RUN POSITION!

[racerman_27410]

 the clutch switch and the sidestand safety switch can also cause a no start issue.

KOokaloo!

Frank

[Blitzen]

Thanks guys.  I don't believe it is a switch (starter/clutch/sidestand) problem because when I press the starter switch the headlight seems to dim a little, but I don't hear the starter motor nor the solenoid click.  I'm assuming that by jumping as oldktmdude suggests it will bypass all the switches.  I'll let ya know what I find out.

[RichBaker]

The start switch opens the headlight circuit so there's plenty of current available to the starter.... you could still have a bad solenoid. But, it is more likely to be one of the "safety" switches already mentioned.

The clutch, sidestand and neutral switches all cause no-crank conditions when active.... I think we have a wiring diagram in our files here, but I'm not sure.

[Blitzen]

The start switch opens the headlight circuit so there's plenty of current available to the starter.... you could still have a bad solenoid. But, it is more likely to be one of the "safety" switches already mentioned.

The clutch, sidestand and neutral switches all cause no-crank conditions when active.... I think we have a wiring diagram in our files here, but I'm not sure.

Doh, I had download the owner's manual and never even thought to look for a wiring diagram.   Thanks the diagram should help a lot.

[1989fj1200russ]

The starter on my 86 doesn't work.   Push the stater button and nada.  The battery is good.   So I need to determine if the solenoid is the problem or if its the starter.  Naturally I don't have a manual.   So what the easiest way to try jumpering (bypassing the solenoid) the starter?  I really hoping you won't tell I have to pull the starter.

Thanks,   sounds like the same thing that happend to me on my 89 fj you need to check out the relay right behinh the battrey  hold start button on and tap on relay see if it fires up i found my relay at auto zone for $10.00 and a life time on the part if water got in the relay it will fail after a while
Don       

[Blitzen]

Thanks for the help guys, the starter works! 
Not sure what the problem was though, possibly a bad connection.  I shorted across the main terminals of relay and the starter spun.  So I checked the sidestand & clutch switches as well as the power to the starter relay with a multimeter and they were all good. So I reconnected everything and tried it and it worked.   Dunno, but I'm happy.

[paulfj03]

Bonus! We have IGNITION!!

I have to get out the multimeter myself. I got lights dimming on me and I know I gotta start simple.

Have a good one Don!  Head for the mountains!