Starter Motors

Is the engine cranking slowly, or do you only hear a click when you press the start button? Then the starter motor may be worn. We have starter motors for e.g. ATV, MUV and motorcycle, listed with model and year so you can match them to your machine.

What the starter motor does, and when it is the cause of the fault

The starter motor is a small electric motor that engages the ring gear via the drive pinion and turns the engine over until it fires on its own. However, starting problems are not always caused by the starter motor itself. A click without the engine turning can also come from a weak battery, corroded cables or a faulty starter relay, which you will find among our starter relays and solenoids. So measure the battery voltage and connections before you replace the starter motor.

How to choose the right starter motor

The products are typically listed with year and model, e.g. Arrowhead 05-17 CRF 450 X Starter or QuadBoss 04-07 Honda TRX400FA/FGA FourTrax Rancher Starter Motor. Compare with your original part on these points:

• Voltage, e.g. 12V
• Number of teeth on the drive, e.g. 9T, which must match the ring gear
• Mounting flange and bolt holes, so the starter motor sits correctly
• Electrical connection to the power cable and ground
• Original part number, if you know it

The category includes starters from e.g. Arrowhead, BikeMaster, QuadBoss, TwinPower and OMIX. You will find more parts for the starting system in the parent category starters.

Installation and maintenance

Disconnect the battery's negative terminal before removing the old starter motor. Clean the contact surfaces and ground connection, and tighten the cables according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wear on the brushes and bearings can typically show up as slow cranking or a whining noise, and water and dirt can accelerate the wear.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether it is the starter motor or the starter relay that is faulty?

If you hear a click but the engine does not turn, the fault may lie in the relay, the battery or the cables. If the starter motor gets direct power and still does not turn, this typically points to the starter motor itself. Always check the battery first.

What does 9T in the product name mean?

9T typically indicates the number of teeth on the starter motor's drive. The tooth count must match the ring gear on your engine. Otherwise the drive cannot engage correctly, and both the drive and the ring gear can be damaged.

Can I install a new starter motor myself?

That depends on the vehicle and on where the starter motor is located. On some vehicles it is easily accessible with a few bolts and a single power cable, on others parts have to be removed first. Always disconnect the battery and follow the workshop manual for your model.