Motorcycle Starters & Components

To make the engine of your motorcycle start, it must be turned at some speed to suck and compress the air-fuel mixture. For this purpose, it has an electric device named a starter, which engages with the engine’s flywheel when you push the start button or turn the ignition key, and spins it to begin the combustion process. It is powered by your motorcycle’s battery and is turned off once the engine speed exceeds the speed of the starter. Its malfunction or failure to operate means that you will not be able to start the engine.

Despite some differences in design, all motorcycle starters are pretty the same. A typical starter consists of a motor, solenoid, battery terminals, starter control terminal, and starter gear. The motor is very powerful since it should crank the engine and requires high current to operate. The solenoid plays the role of an electric relay that closes the starter circuit and feeds the motor with electricity when you turn the ignition key to the start position. The solenoid also moves forward the starter gear, also known as Bendix, so that it comes in contact with the flywheel teeth.

Since motorcycle engines are usually smaller than the ones found in most cars and trucks, their starters are also more compact. However, they work exactly the same way, which is why their troubleshooting is identical. One of the most common signs of a failed motorcycle starter is a clicking sound when you’re trying to start the engine. If this happens, first of all you need to check your battery. If the battery is properly charged, yet you still hear the sound and the starter doesn’t crank the flywheel, most likely your starter or its components need repairing or replacement.

A motorcycle starter is something you take for granted until it stops working. But whereas it doesn’t require regular maintenance like some other motorcycle parts, you should pay attention to the sound of your starter when it is engaged. A properly operating starter should not create any unusual sounds like whirring, grinding or buzzing. The first sound usually says about the problems with the solenoid, while the second one is often a sign of worn-out teeth of the pinion gear or the flywheel. Buzzing may indicate low battery current or corroded starter terminals.

If your starter malfunctions or fails to operate, it doesn’t always mean it needs to be replaced with a new one. Some of its components like pinion gear, solenoid switch or brushes can be replaced to restore the starter. Such parts and components are available on our website together with complete starter assemblies. You will also find various starter rebuild kits if you’re working on repairing your starter. In addition to them, we provide starter ring gears and starter ring gear conversion kits, which will come in handy if you decide to upgrade your starter.