Starter Motors

About Starter Motors

The starter motor spins the engine until it fires, and it pulls a large current from the battery to do so. When one wears out, the machine cranks slowly, cranks only some of the time, or just clicks. The starters here are replacements listed by make, model and year, and the samples include Polaris, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Yamaha and Suzuki machines.

Rule out the battery, the cables and the solenoid or relay first, because a weak battery or a corroded connection can look just like a dead starter. Once the starter is confirmed as the fault, the replacement has to match your machine's model and year, since mounting, drive gear and electrical connections differ between machines. Pick yours in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. Individual starter parts are under Starter Motor Parts.

Brands in this category include Parts Unlimited, Fire Power, RM Stator, Moose Offroad and Psykho. A new starter will not help if the supply is weak, so also check Batteries, Relays and Voltage Regulators & Rectifiers. The whole group is Electrical & Ignition Components.

FAQs on starter motors

How can I tell if the problem is the starter or the battery?

A weak battery usually shows as dim lights, a slow crank or rapid clicking. If the battery is charged and the cables are clean and tight but the starter still does nothing or turns slowly, the starter is the likely cause. A voltmeter check while cranking gives a clearer answer.

Will a starter motor fit my machine?

Only if it is listed for your make, model and year. Mounting, gear and connector layouts vary between machines, and some starters cover a range of years. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder and compare the listing with your old starter before installing.

What makes a starter motor wear out early?

Long cranking attempts, a weak battery, water getting into the motor, and loose or corroded connections all shorten a starter's life. Crank in short bursts, let the motor rest between attempts, and keep the battery charged and the terminals clean.

Should I replace the starter cables with the starter?

Look at them when the starter is out. Corroded, frayed or loose cables and terminals add resistance, so the new starter gets less current and can overheat. Replace damaged cables and clean the ground connection to bare metal.