Starting issues

[tonytiger128]

Just bought an '83 XS650. The battery was supposed to be new per the previous owner. When hitting the start button there's only a clicking sound coming from somewhere under the seat. Starter isn't engaging and the engine is not cranking. I replaced the solenoid switch. Same clicking sound. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[nj1639]

Make sure that battery is fully charged. Check it with a volt meter.

 

[Jan_P]

Make sure that battery is fully charged. Check it with a volt meter.

+ 1 Yes to that
Or if feeling lucky Pull Choke out 3/4 -- One Priming kick
Switch on ignition and Kick Start listen if machine speaks to you
Still need to charge the battery if it starts

 

[tonytiger128]

Thanks guys. Installed new carbs and waiting on fuel lines before I can try to Kickstart anything. I bought the XS for the Kickstart feature. Whats the ideal Kickstart procedure? 1-2 Kicks with key off then key on and kick again? Choke, no choke??? Still learning about these bikes

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Cold start mine was always choke on, two kicks to prime, key on and one kick to fire.

 

[5twins]

Yes, you will need the choke for pretty much any cold start, even in warm weather. It doesn't usually need to be on long. The motor will start "8 stroking" or running sorta rough after 10 seconds or so, and that's my sign to turn the choke off. You may need to crack the throttle a hair to keep it running until it warms up a bit.

 

[Grimly]

Cold start mine was always choke on, two kicks to prime, key on and one kick to fire.

Yep. Been cautious with the fecker after it tried to break my ankle one time. That wasn't because it's a hard-starting brute or has high comp or overly advanced ignition, it was me being careless and giving it too soft a kick over and my ankle at the wrong angle.
Needs a firm prod, not like a four-pot, they start with a woosy motion.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Yep. Been cautious with the fecker after it tried to break my ankle one time. That wasn't because it's a hard-starting brute or has high comp or overly advanced ignition, it was me being careless and giving it too soft a kick over and my ankle at the wrong angle.
Needs a firm prod, not like a four-pot, they start with a woosy motion.

Been there done that. Too advanced, tried to kick me over the handlebars.
My knee was very unhappy with me.