I have a 2009 sportster, it has just started to play up when I try to start it. What happens is that when you push the start switch nothing happens but you can hear a faint click near the starter motor. You do this a number of times and then it will crank and start. I took it to Harley Heaven and it started every time. They checked the wiring, switches, power, etc, all ok. Can anyone confirm to me that if the solanoid is playing that this is what would happen? Grateful for any advice...

What did the Dealer check ??  When it does start do you get any type of grinding noise ???

If your solenoid is clicking , then your have power to soleniod .  ie,  the switch (soleniod) may be operating , but the contacts sending power from battery  to stater motor may be faulty.                  Seems problem is power from battery to starter motor.   First check battery ,(how old is battery) with multi meter,  check terminals and posts  for corrosion. Better still get the battery load tested , if bad replace .

Second , check positive  cable from battery to starter motor (the large one). Clean and tighten.

Third, check negative cable from battery to frame of bike and make sure your ground is good  .  Clean and tighten.    I'm not upto date on Sportster's starter motors, but the later tourers get their ground from the starter motor mounting bolts .  If yours does , check them for tightness.

Short answer ,   usually its the battery,   then, bad ground,  then bad solenoid contacts,   then, starter motor needs replacing.  

the internet is your friend to find the testing procedures to fault find starter motors and basic battery and electrical systems.  

If your going to disconnect cables to check and clean , etc, make sure you remove the negative battery cable first then the postive cable .  

Good Luck

hi,

good info markwoumla, also check that fob battery if you have one with your bike

thanks
robots

Mark has pretty much nailed it, I'd say.

You could also hold the starter switch in, and give the solenoid a bit of a bump (with the wooden end of a hammer, for instance). If it's bad contacts in the solenoid, it'll probably kick over.

Form your description, since it starts OK sometimes, I'd bet the battery and connections are OK, and that it's the solenoid....but check everything as Mark suggests...

Another known PITA is the switch wire on the solenoid. Although it looks like its plugged on, the terminal can be loose and have dust or contamination/ dry soap/ road grime. pull it off, look for cleanliness, tighten by squashing a tad with pliers and re-connecting. This is always good practice every service anyway. BTW even the start switch on the handlebars do wear out, and can be the source of the problem.