Helix-Won't start-Just a CLICK

[CM Read]

Started bike and it started right away, but died. Went to re-start, and just got a loud click, like when battery terminals are loose. Battery is new OEM, always on Battery Tender charger, no corrosion around terminals, tightened them anyway. No difference. I figured it must be the starter Interlock cable was stretched, so adjusted rear brake, removed Tunnel cowl, played with the cable adjustor,and if it was too far adj. in either direction, I noticed I did not even get the "Click" when hitting Starter, so I'm thinking the problem must be something else. Starter relay?, Fuse? Starter motor? Any Ideas? I'm not much on Electrical knowledge. Thanks CM Read

[skipper20]

Started bike and it started right away, but died. Went to re-start, and just got a loud click, like when battery terminals are loose. Battery is new OEM, always on Battery Tender charger, no corrosion around terminals, tightened them anyway. No difference. I figured it must be the starter Interlock cable was stretched, so adjusted rear brake, removed Tunnel cowl, played with the cable adjustor,and if it was too far adj. in either direction, I noticed I did not even get the "Click" when hitting Starter, so I'm thinking the problem must be something else. Starter relay?, Fuse? Starter motor? Any Ideas? I'm not much on Electrical knowledge. Thanks CM Read

This isn't the answer you were looking for but there is a Honda Helix forum on the Internet and as it's tuned in exclusively to the Helix, you'll likely get a better answer if you go to them. Try an Internet search using key words such as "Honda Helix User Forum". Good luck,

Bill in Seattle, a former Helix owner

[az_slynch]

Helix Forum link.

A few suggestions:

Is the fuel pump coming on when you switch on power? You should hear an occasional clicking from just under the nose of the seat when it primes. There's a 5A fuse in the fuse block (position 1) that it shares with the starter.

According to a Helix wiring diagram, there's a 20 amp fuse in the starter relay. Check that fuse.

Maybe check to see if the brake light is illuminating when the pedal is depressed?

Check your kill switch on the handlebar.

You could try jumpering power from the battery to the starter. See if the starter turns with power applied. The starter grounds through the engine block, so you only need to tap the power port, it's the only wire going to the starter. Use caution and insulate yourself. If it cranks, check the starter relay itself.

Wiring Diagram ('87-'91) here.

[TVB]

The resident Helix-repair "expert" is currently in Louisiana, recovering from a 3500-mile ride from Alaska.

[ericalm]

Just a click? No turning over at all?

I think you're on the right track, along with the advice above.

It's one of those "could be a dozen things" issues like so manny other (probably) electrical gremlins. I'd check the current coming off the battery and also check for spark but to make sure juice is flowing at both ends. Make sure the spark plug cap is tight; they come loose pretty easily.

Loud click could be starter motor but you said it stopped clicking, right?

It could also be something like a broken kill switch. Easy to remove, so I'd check the connections and test it.