How To Test Motorcycle Starter Motor

How to Test a Motorcycle Starter Motor: A Comprehensive Guide

Testing your motorcycle starter motor doesn't require specialized tools or extensive mechanical knowledge. This guide will walk you through several methods to diagnose the problem, helping you determine if your starter motor is the culprit behind your motorcycle's refusal to start. Knowing how to test your motorcycle starter motor can save you time and money on costly repairs.

Understanding Your Motorcycle's Starting System

Before diving into testing, it's crucial to understand the basic components involved in the starting process:

• Battery: Provides the electrical power to crank the engine.
• Starter Solenoid: Acts as a switch, connecting the battery to the starter motor.
• Starter Motor: The powerful motor that spins the engine to start it.
• Ignition Switch: Controls the flow of electricity to the starter circuit.

A problem with any of these components can prevent your motorcycle from starting, so it's important to systematically check each one.

Testing the Motorcycle Battery

The first step is always to eliminate the simplest possibilities. A weak or dead battery is a common reason why a motorcycle won't start. Test your battery's voltage using a multimeter. A fully charged battery should show around 12.6 volts or higher. If the voltage is significantly lower, charging or replacing the battery is necessary before proceeding.

How to Check Battery Voltage:

1. Turn off your motorcycle's ignition.
2. Connect the multimeter's red probe to the positive (+) terminal and the black probe to the negative (-) terminal.
3. Observe the voltage reading.

Testing the Starter Solenoid

If the battery is okay, the next suspect is the starter solenoid. This relay acts as an intermediary between the battery and the starter motor. A faulty solenoid can prevent the starter motor from receiving power. You can test the solenoid by:

• Listening for a click: When you turn the ignition key, you should hear a distinct click from the solenoid. If you don't hear the click, the solenoid might be faulty.
• Checking for voltage: Use a multimeter to check for voltage at the solenoid terminals when the ignition key is turned. If voltage is present but the starter motor doesn't engage, the solenoid might be internally faulty.

Visual Inspection:

A visual inspection of the solenoid for any signs of damage, corrosion or burnt contacts can reveal the problem in some cases.

Testing the Starter Motor Itself

If both the battery and solenoid check out, it's time to test the starter motor directly. This usually involves removing the starter motor (consult your motorcycle's service manual for instructions specific to your model) and checking for continuity with a multimeter.

Continuity Test:

1. Disconnect the starter motor.
2. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting.
3. Place the probes on the appropriate terminals of the starter motor. You should get a low resistance reading, indicating a good connection. A high resistance or an open circuit means the starter motor is faulty.

Important Note: Always disconnect the battery negative terminal before undertaking any electrical testing or removing components. This helps prevent accidental short circuits and damage to your motorcycle's electrical system.

Troubleshooting Beyond the Basics

If your tests indicate a problem with the starter motor itself, consider these factors:

• Brushes: Worn-out brushes are a common cause of starter motor failure.
• Armature: The armature, the rotating part of the motor, might be damaged.
• Wiring: Check all wiring connections for corrosion or damage.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're uncomfortable performing these tests or if you're still unable to pinpoint the problem, it's best to take your motorcycle to a qualified mechanic. Attempting repairs beyond your skill level could cause further damage.

By following this guide, you should be able to effectively troubleshoot your motorcycle's starting system and determine whether a faulty starter motor is to blame. Remember, safety first! Always disconnect the battery negative terminal before working with electrical components.