Check
1. If the starter circuit is faulty, first check the fuse (see Section 5).
2. The starter relay is behind the right-hand side panel on XL models and XRV750-L to N (1990 to 1992) models, and behind the lefthand side panel on all other XRV models (see illustration 5.2a, 3.7 or 5.2b). Remove the panel for access (see Chapter 8).
3. Lift the rubber terminal cover and unscrew the bolt securing the starter motor lead (see illustration); position the lead away from the relay terminal. With the ignition switch ON, the engine kill switch in the RUN position, and the transmission in neutral, press the starter switch. The relay should be heard to click.
27.3. Starter relay battery and starter motor leads (A) and wiring connector terminals (B)
4. If the relay doesn't click, switch off the ignition and remove the relay as described below; test it as follows.
5. Set a multimeter to the ohms x 1 scale and connect it across the relay's starter motor and battery lead terminals (see illustration 27.3). There should be no continuity. Using a fully-charged 12 volt battery and two insulated jumper wires, connect the positive (+) terminal of the battery to the yellow/red wire terminal of the relay, and the negative (-) terminal to the green/red wire terminal of the relay. At this point the relay should be heard to click and the multimeter read 0 ohms (continuity). If this is the case the relay is proved good. If the relay does not click when battery voltage is applied and indicates no continuity (infinite resistance) across its terminals, it is faulty and must be replaced with a new one.
6. It the relay is good, check for continuity in the main lead from the battery to the relay. Also check that the terminals and connectors at each end of the lead are tight and corrosion-free. Next check for battery voltage at the yellow/red wire when the starter button is pressed. If there is no voltage, check the wiring between the relay wiring connector and the starter button. If voltage is present, check that there is continuity to earth in the green/red wire with the transmission in neutral, the clutch lever pulled in and the sidestand up (note that there will be a very slight resistance due to the diode). If there is no continuity, check the other components in the starter circuit as described in the relevant sections of this Chapter. If all components are good, check the wiring between the various components (see the wiring diagrams at the end of this book).
Replacement
7. The starter relay is behind the right-hand side panel on XL models and XRV750-L to N (1990 to 1992) models, and behind the lefthand side panel on all other XRV models (see illustration 5.2a, 3.7 or 5.2b). Remove the panel for access (see Chapter 8).
8. Disconnect the battery terminals, remembering to disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
9. Disconnect the relay wiring connector, then lift the insulating cover and unscrew the bolts securing the starter motor and battery leads to the relay and detach the leads (see illustration 27.3). Remove the relay with its rubber sleeve from its mounting lug on the frame. If the relay is being replaced with a new one, remove the main fuse from the relay, and remove the relay from its sleeve.
10. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure the terminal bolts are securely tightened. Do not forget to fit the main fuse into the relay, if removed. Connect the negative (-) lead last when reconnecting the battery.