Bike won't start, makes clicking noise when you hit the starter

I am assuming this is a dead battery but was wondering if anyone here thought it could be something else.

2004 Honda 599 died while idling when my BF was trying to get on the freeway yesterday. It started fine when he got on it at work and 5 minutes later it just shut off while idling at a light. He tried to start it again and nothing, just clicks.

This happened a few weeks ago and I was able to start it going down a hill. Haven't had a problem since until yesterday.

Y'all think it's just the battery or could it be something else? When you put the key in the ON position, the lights come up and all, but when we try to start it, just clicks.

Thanks!

PS. Cycle Guy Towing is awesome!

That's the starter relay you're hearing. Not enough juice to kick the starter motor over. You have a dead battery.

Tap the starter to get it going

#1 - Make sure the battery terminals are snug.

#2 - Put the battery on a trickle charger overnight.

#3 - Get or borrow an electronic multimeter. A healthy fully charged battery should read at least 12.6v. If voltage readings are below 12.6 then the battery is headed to the trash heap.

#4 - When the bike is running at low-mid rpms you should see voltage readings close to 14.4v. If readings are below 13.7v the battery is being undercharged. If readings are over 14.7v the battery is being overcharged. Either over or undercharging the battery damages the battery. This issue is often related to a failed voltage regulator/rectifier component.

Lots of battery issue threads like this are already posted here in the garage. Try the search function.

Basic multimeters can be had at Radio Shack for $20.

:thumbup

How many miles are on the bike? I know regulator/rectifier is a common Honda problem, so if yours hasn't yet been replaced, it's a likely culprit. When the reg/rec went out on my fzr, I didn't even have to replace the battery. Replaced the reg/rec and took the battery to Autozone overnight for a free charge. Works perfectly now.

2004 bike. Original battery = 5 year old battery = failed battery.
A well maintained battery will last 4 or 5 years.