400 kodiak starting mystery

[Mike56]

2000 kodiak 400 4x4 ultramatic sometimes it will start with the starter and sometimes all I get is a buzzing from the starter solenoid, took it to the shop and he found nothing wrong other than a possible starter relay which he changed, it started and he thought it was fixed so I brought it home, started fine, unloaded and parked it, went back later and same old buzz from the solenoid, did that about three times and started on the fourth, has a new battery, cdi box and starter solenoid but this is driving me batty! 

[Frank Angerano]

This is a loose or corooded wire/connection. 

something that’s been missed! It could be the battery wire, the part of the wire that’s crimped to the connector at the battery or the connections to the relay etc. I would take each connector off one at a time and inspect  for corrosion and put a pair of pliers or crimpers and tighten up just to be sure.  

Then go to the starter button on the handle bars and make sure that the contactor on the start button are good as well.  

Use contact cleaner as well .

Process of elimination. 

[Mike56]

My thoughts as well, random problems are so irritating, thanks for the help 

[whitern]

I'm having a similar issue except mine wont even click unless I turn the key off and back on a couple of times.

[jbert10]

Don't overlook the obvious make sure your battery has at least 12.5 volts to begin with and of course as others have pointed out loose or corroded cables

[wanrep]

When the brushes in the starter motor get worn down, the starter will work intermittently.

Try tapping on the starter motor with a hammer while pressing the start button next time it doesn't start.  If it suddenly turns over, it's the brushes in the starter motor that need replacing. You can buy a starter brush plate for $25 instead of buying a whole new starter.