SLR Electrical question from a numpty

[Two Showers]

Hi you lot. Someone will know the answer to this and probably think 'what a numpty', but here goes.
When I switch the ignition on for my newly aquired 'old' SLR 650, there is a clicking sound from under the rear of the seat.
It's obvioulsy a relay. It clicks a few times then goes off. Sometimes it clicks for a while longer, but ultimatley then goes silent.
Without taking the seat off to further investigate, can someone tell me what it is, why it's clicking, and is this all okay.
I can drop the seat off when I have a minute, and it's not so freeking cold and snowy, but I thought someone would be all wise and just inform this numpty as to what it is.

Cheers

Two Showers

[Lutin]

Does the SLR have a fuel pump? If so, it's probably this that's making the clicking sound.

[Mervinh]

nope no pump gravity fed carb, sounds like a iffy contact too a relay to me,

Merv

[boroboy]

Hi you lot. Someone will know the answer to this and probably think 'what a numpty', but here goes.
When I switch the ignition on for my newly aquired 'old' SLR 650, there is a clicking sound from under the rear of the seat.
It's obvioulsy a relay. It clicks a few times then goes off. Sometimes it clicks for a while longer, but ultimatley then goes silent.
Without taking the seat off to further investigate, can someone tell me what it is, why it's clicking, and is this all okay.
I can drop the seat off when I have a minute, and it's not so freeking cold and snowy, but I thought someone would be all wise and just inform this numpty as to what it is.

Cheers

Two Showers

It sounds like it,s the starter relay..... I think I'am correct in thinking the lectric loom layout is similiar to a domi and thats where the starter relay is ie just under the seat, I.d whip the seat off and have a looksee cause it could be a loose connection sparking merrily away or the relay may be on it,s wayout.

[El Vencejo]

Take the seat off, mounted on the plastic underneath are most of the interesting electronics. Try your starting routine and you should hear/see where the problem is; probably just need to clean and grease a few contacts.

[Manic Mechanic]

You need to check 2 things. First make sure the connections to the relay aren't loose, if its not that then its your battery and its on it way out. Hence the relay stuttering because of fluctuating voltage.

Take a volt meter/multi meter and put it across the terminals its should read over 12 volts.

Cold temperatures kill batteries so I wouldn't be surprised if thats the problem.

I didn't quite understand, do you hear the sound when you turn the ignition on or when you press the starter button? If its when you turn the ignition on but haven't yet pressed the starter button then its something else because the relay doesn't get power till you press the button.