[orchard357]

I have a 1995 Yamaha 1100 cc with18,000 miles and I need help. All of a sudden now the bike will not start. When I hit the start button all I hear is a clicking that sounds like a machine gun.The battery is only a year old.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CB750F]

I'm assuming its a Virago. Try cleaning the battery terminals. If that doesn't work charge the battery with a small charger and try it again.

 

[Guy]

From your description, it may be the starter isn't engaging. You should check to see if the plunger is pushing the gear out to engage the engine.

 

[CB750F]

If it's a Virago I can already tell you what it might be (if it isn't just the solenoid clicking due to dirty cables or a partially dead battery). It's either the gear on the end of the starter and the starter will need rebuilt or it's the starter clutch which means the flywheel will have to come off. The gear on the starter is always engaged and the flywheel has a one way clutch or what some call a sprag.