Click but no bang

I have a '98 VFR 800. I've had it only a couple of months and on occasion it won't start. When I hit the starter it just makes a click and the lights dim but it's not turning over.

It's only happened twice and it seems to be when I stop on a hill and put it in gear to stop it rolling to it's death. It's almost like there's a faulty switch that thinks the bike is still in gear when I try to start it up again - even when it's in neutral.

To get it to start I have to put it in gear and "rock" the bike back or forward which seems to work. Which leads me to believe that there's some kind of switch or sensor that needs a shunt.

Any suggestions?

 

There is a cutoff switch on the kickstand that will kill the bike if it is put into gear with the kickstand down. It might be worth a check.

 

If the starter only clicks but does not turn the engine, usually is a sign of weak battery.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. It turns out the starter motor needed a good clean out. I stripped it down and blew out all the dust from the brushes and now she starts every time.

Good excuse to change the oil and filter too.