Electric starting problems - 82 cb750

Posted by gandrolok on Jun 30, 2012; 2:25pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Electric-starting-problems-82-cb750-tp4023957.html

Hello! I bought a cb750 and was enjoying it, taking it on a 2 hour, 110m trip yesterday. That was the longest ride I've taken so far(the other handful of them so far being less than 5-10 miles). I was at thruway speeds(65mph) and didn't stop.

When I got to my destination(2 hours away from my tools and comfortable garage), my bike started less quickly. The solenoid clicked slower and slower and the last time it started, it ran strong to where I was able to park it at my friend's house. It ran great for the 2 miles I took it from where we were to the driveway where it's currently parked, so I think the problem is electrical and either a bad starter or solenoid.

When I try to start it now(new battery from 2 weeks ago), the lights dim and I get one single click. Nothing mechanical seems to move(as in the starter or engine), at all. After scouring the internet for possible solutions, I tried manually activating the starter via screwdriver arc'ing the positive and negative terminals on the solenoid.  There is a strong spark, but still no mechanical movement.

Does anybody know what's wrong? I'm stranded up a creek without a paddle, so to speak.