I was told that was for the neutral safety switch.  But anyway if that is the ground for the starter, that’s not the issue. Unless it’s broke or kinked between there and the battery and not doing what it should.
Then it might just be a faulty handlebar switch or something else.

Dad0220 wrote on 03/07/18 at 12:55:41:


I see it..

Clean grounds
Pull the tank
Disconnect, inspect connectors, make sure all wires are seated in the connector body. Look for corrosion and spread female ends up inside the connector.
You're Hunting for a reason why the starter works
Or not.

Ahh, first thing, get some
Electronic contact cleaner.
Spray the start button,
Key off, tap it with a fingertip, sharp quick taps,
You're trying to get the contacts drop anything like corrosion.
Wipe paint immediately ,
Wouldn't be bad to slap wax anywhere it might fall.
I don't Know if contact cleaner hurts anything.

I'm pooped, I feel a nap coming on.

Good news! My starting issue has been resolved. I've replaced the Decompression Solenoid Control Unit and the electric starter works great. Press the handlebar switch and it turns over.
I'd like to thank everyone again for their help troubleshooting and providing suggestions to help me get back in the saddle again.

I just replaced a few minor components, one by one until I got it going. It wasn't that expensive and because my bike is a 2006, I'm certain that the things I replaced would be needing replacement in the near future anyway. Cost me a little over $100.00 and I did it myself without having to take it to the shop.

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 03/21/18 at 18:50:52:


I waited four pages so you guys could tell the man how to get his bike started!  Give a guy a little credit will you! Gee whiz!

I am surprised that we do not discuss the decomp controller more often.  Really is an integral part of the starting circuit.  I have been a member for only five years but personally have seen two of them go bad.