Starter issue?
 

Hello, all.

So my F2 will only start by push starting it. I tested the charging system and it's working properly and very strong, battery even holds a charge, but when I push the starter button it just makes a clicking sound or does nothing. This was a slow progression, first it would only start using the starter once or twice a day, then eventually it never starts using the starter. But if I put the bike in 2nd or 3rd gear, give it a good push she fires right up and runs great.

I don't wanna just waste money throwing parts at it, so the only conclusion I can come up with is, the starter has gone bad. All of my fuses are good and all of the wires look good and have continuity. Any other ideas? I'm getting too old and tired to push this thing every time I wanna ride it, haha.

Thanks!

It could be the starter relay/solenoid, or the button in the handlebar controls.

You can rule out the starter motor by testing these things, do a google or youtube search for "Starter solenoid bypass", that should give you an idea for how to jump the solenoid, which is located in front of the battery in the battery tray. (your positive power lead from the battery goes to the solenoid)

Make sure your bike is in Neutral when you test this, as your engine will crank over regardless of if your clutch is engaged or the kickstand is down.

If the engine cranks over strong, I would open up your handlebar controls and inspect the contacts on the starter button.

Sandman. Awesome, thanks! This is exactly the kind of troubleshooting advice I was looking for. I'll dig into that over the weekend.

Batteries do funny things. Even if they test fine they can still go bad under load, and since you said it's been getting progressively worse my money would be on that.

I know you said you tested the R/R but that would be the next suspect, then stator.

Have you tried jump starting it?

You would have to have a really dead battery for it to only click. And if the battery was that low, the headlights would be next to off when you turned the key. I agree with sandman in that you can jumper the starter motor to check and see if that is indeed the problem.

No doubt you and sandman are on to something mike, just thought I would offer another possible avenue in the case the of the starter testing fine.

Hopefully jtellis26 will update and let us know how he went.