1987 Honda Aspencade Shop Manual Starter Solenoid Wiring

The 1987 Honda Aspencade starter solenoid wiring system is a critical component for reliable motorcycle starting. This manual covers the complete wiring schematic, troubleshooting procedures, and repair instructions for the starter solenoid circuit, including battery connections, ignition switch routing, starter button circuit, and safety interlocks. Proper understanding of this system is essential for diagnosing starting issues and maintaining optimal performance.

1. System Overview 2. Wiring Diagram 3. Component Locations 4. Specifications 5. Testing Procedures 6. Troubleshooting Guide 7. Repair Instructions 8. Safety Precautions 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Parts Reference

System Overview

The starter solenoid acts as a high-current switch that engages the starter motor when the start button is pressed. Key components include the solenoid unit, battery cables, ignition switch, starter button, neutral safety switch, and clutch safety switch.

Component	Function
Starter Solenoid	Engages starter motor when activated
Battery Positive Cable	Carries high current from battery to solenoid
Starter Cable	Connects solenoid to starter motor
Control Wire	Low-current signal from start button
Neutral Safety Switch	Prevents starting in gear
Clutch Safety Switch	Requires clutch engagement for starting
Main Fuse	Protects electrical system from overload
Ignition Switch	Provides power to control circuit
Starter Button	Activates solenoid when pressed
Ground Connections	Completes electrical circuit

Wiring Diagram

The starter solenoid wiring follows this path: Battery positive → Main fuse → Ignition switch → Start button → Safety switches → Solenoid control terminal → Solenoid main contacts → Starter motor.

Red wire: Battery positive to solenoid main terminal
Black/white wire: Ignition switch to start button
Yellow/red wire: Start button to solenoid control terminal
Green wire: Ground connections throughout system
Black wire: Battery negative to engine ground

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical system to prevent short circuits and injury.

Component Locations

Key component positions for the 1987 Honda Aspencade starter system.

Starter Solenoid: Under left side cover near battery compartment
Battery: Under seat, center position
Starter Motor: Front of engine, lower left side
Neutral Switch: Left side of transmission case
Clutch Switch: Left handlebar control assembly
Main Fuse: Under seat near battery
Ignition Switch: Right side of steering head
Start Button: Right handlebar control assembly

CAUTION! Label all wires before disconnecting to ensure proper reassembly.

Specifications

Solenoid Resistance: 3-5 ohms (control circuit)
Battery Voltage: 12V DC nominal
Starter Current Draw: 80-120 amps under load
Main Fuse Rating: 30 amps
Wire Gauge: 6 AWG (battery cables), 16 AWG (control wires)
Terminal Torque: 8-10 ft-lbs (battery/solenoid connections)
Voltage Drop: Max 0.5V across any connection
Switch Continuity: Less than 1 ohm resistance when closed

Testing Procedures

Use digital multimeter for accurate measurements. Always start with battery voltage test.

Voltage Tests: Battery (12.6V+), Solenoid control terminal (12V when start button pressed), Starter terminal (12V when solenoid engaged).

Resistance Tests: Solenoid coil (3-5Ω), Safety switches (0-1Ω when closed), Ground connections (0-0.5Ω to battery negative). Continuity Tests: Wiring harness for opens/shorts, Switch operation, Fuse integrity.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common starting issues and diagnostic procedures.

Turn ignition on and verify neutral light illuminates
Check battery voltage (minimum 12.4V for starting)
Listen for solenoid click when start button pressed
Test voltage at solenoid control terminal during start attempt
Inspect all connections for corrosion and tightness

Tip: Use systematic approach - start with simplest solutions first.

Repair Instructions

Step-by-step repair procedures for common solenoid wiring issues.

Disconnect negative battery terminal first
Remove left side cover to access solenoid
Clean all terminals with electrical contact cleaner
Replace damaged wires with proper gauge replacements
Install new solenoid if resistance tests fail
Reconnect battery negative last
Test operation before reinstalling covers
Apply dielectric grease to connections to prevent corrosion

WARNING! Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries. Avoid creating sparks near battery.

Safety Precautions

Critical safety measures when working with starter system electrical components.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for starter system components.

CAUTION! Inspect wiring harness for chafing or damage during every oil change.

Parts Reference

Genuine Honda part numbers and compatible replacements for 1987 Aspencade starter system.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No starter engagement	Dead battery, bad solenoid	Charge/replace battery; test solenoid control circuit
Click but no crank	High resistance, bad connections	Clean battery cables; test voltage drop
Starter spins slowly	Weak battery, bad connections	Load test battery; clean all connections
No start in gear	Neutral switch failure	Test neutral switch continuity; adjust/replace
Intermittent starting	Loose connections, worn switch	Inspect all terminals; test start button

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 seconds to reset electrical system if needed.

Service: Consult certified Honda technician for complex electrical issues.