starter problems

**silky boy** · #1 22 Dec 2004

my wifes dr650 se will not start. when the starter button is depressed the solenoid clicks loudly but the starter fails to turn. is it possibly the relay between battery and starter?? any ideas most welcome we are stuck at port klang in malaysia at the moment.

many thanks

matt 7 jo

**andygray** · #2 23 Dec 2004

Hi Matt
In my experience this is always due to a flat battery. Try another battery, or starter cables, and it should fire up. Then work out if its old age of the battery or a charging problem, bad connections etc.
I will send you a pdf file flow chart on electrics charging system fault finding to your email address in case you need it.
Help from an expert may be better, I hate electrics ;-).

Good luck, and what a shame to be stuck there while its freezing here in Europe.
Andy

**silky boy** · #3 27 Dec 2004

thanks. battery has been charged but problem persists. i have discovered i can start the bike by by passing what i think is a relay switch between the bty and starter, using a piece of wire. thanks for the help
matt

**beddhist** · #4 28 Dec 2004

Try replacing your starter relay. You should be able to use one of another type of bike, as long as it's 12V.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

**Steve Pickford** · #5 29 Dec 2004

You may be able to prise open the starter relay & clean the contact faces - this has worked for me in the past.

**silky boy** · #6 14 Jan 2005

many thanks for all the suggestions. bike now ok got a relay from a place on island of ko pha ngan in thailand of all places.
bike much better
thanks

**buyarbi** · #7 11 Aug 2009

I have a 2005 dl650. I dropped it and broke the front signal lite. When I press the srarter button the only thing that happens now is the headlight goes totaly dim. Placing a wire between the starter and battery will start the bike.
Could this be the starter relay also or does the headlight drawing so much power indicate something else.
Thanks for your input
Bill

**buyarbi** · #8 15 Aug 2009

After looking at similar problems reported here I have discovered the problem to be the cut off switch just below the clutch handle. When I hit the ground it was pulled out. Just plugged it back in and away it went.
Bill