On the other hand, a starter solenoid is a coil enclosing a movable plunger. Unlike in the starter relay where the coil core is immovable, the core in the starter solenoid is an iron or steel plunger free to move in and out of the coil. The steel plunger is connected to spring at one end.

Solenoids are a type of relay engineered to remotely switch a heavier current (typically ranging from 85-200 amps). In contrast to the smaller electromechanical cube relays, a coil is used to generate a magnetic field when electricity is passed through it, which effectively opens or closes the circuit.

In some automotive applications, the starter relay works together with the starter solenoid to operate the starting system. In others, the ignition switch operates the starter solenoid circuit directly. These are usually the small vehicles whose starter motors do not require large amounts of current to work.

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Maybe? As long as it is a 12v motorcycle starter relay you should be fine. The problem is whether or not it will fit your bike physically (that is whether the size of the solenoid will fit into the compartment designated in your motorcycle, and whether you have bullet, spade etc etc).

2) If the Starter Solenoid is not attached to the frame, it must be grounded to the frame via one of the bolts used to attach the Solenoid case.

While it’s not very common to have a bad starter solenoid, there are common signs of a bad starter solenoid, including hearing a rapid clicking sound from the starter solenoid, continuous rotation of the starter without engine starting, the starter cannot rotate, and drive gear reverses.

A typical starter solenoid has one small connector for the starter control wire (the white connector in the photo) and two large terminals: one for the positive battery cable and the other for the thick wire that powers the starter motor itself (see the diagram below).

How to Replace a Starter-Mounted Solenoid

1. Remove the starter.
2. Remove the field coil strap from the solenoid terminal.
3. Remove the attaching screws and bolts and remove the solenoid housing.
4. Install the new solenoid in the reverse order of removal.
5. Reconnect the cable and wiring when you install the starter.

The starter solenoid is above the starter motor. The threaded terminal at left would connect to the battery through a heavy cable. At the right end of the solenoid coil, a linkage inside the housing would engage the pinion visible in the housing at the right side of the motor.

If the alternator is bad, the battery may not be capable of starting the engine. Starter – Some solenoids are mounted to the starter, but some are located directly inside the starter housing. When this is the case, it may be necessary to replace the entire starter when the solenoid goes bad.