Starter or relay?
 

So recently I had the bike not turn over when pushing starter button. Once in Manhattan & it was 100*F out and a lot of traffic so put it down to high heat.

Tonight I just stopped for gas and it didnt want to crank. Tapped the starter with my disc lock, waited a minute and it was fine.

I dont recall seeing anyone with issues starting before so just wanted to see if anyone has had this.

Its a 98 but the motor is an 05. Any info would be helpful.

Oh, and then there is the 3rd option. Which is a loose battery cable.

But I am still interested in the starter vs relay info.

Eliminate the loose cable scenario... Also clean the contacts with either a baking soda and water paste or some Coke. Make sure all connections are properly solid. THEN start to diagnose!

Also, relays are cheap, usually less than $20. Once all the connections are solid I'd just replace the relay for peace of mind.

-Tom

The only time I've ever had starter issues was with our Jeep, and like you I tapped it (with a long punch) and it then worked. After replacement our troubles were gone.
Can't recall anyone here having that issue either.

I believe I have a spare relay I can send you if you decide to change it.
My 1999 Lexus LS400 V8 has the starter and contacts located under the intake manifold which makes replacement quite a chore compared to the VTR. And yes, they needed replacing once so far.

I had the same problem. It was the starter relay. I finally duplicated it at home. 12.8V going to the relay with the button pushed, and .05V coming out of it going to the starter.

cables/connections
Relay
Starter button
Starter button wiring
Dead sector on starter motor armature
Starter motor brush or brush wiring sticking, worn, loose

Awesome thanks guys. Will follow those directives. My eye is on the relay but need to replace it before it goes since the hawk is my daily commuter vehicle to work.

Maybe swap the relay from your second and one of my favorite looking Superhawks untill you have time to get a new relay or it comes in the mail.

Yeah, I could do that but I have a pretty strict policy of not disabling vehicles. I had to do it when I broke my shift linkage.

I find that whenever someone does that it tends to stay that way. Plus its more wrenching to do it twice. I will do it if I am in a jam.