If you can get to the starter solenoid, try jumping across it with a large INSULATED screw driver. If the starter turns over, you have a bad solenoid or the switch at the handle bar is bad or a short (or perpetually open) circuit. Hitting the starter while running and it seems to engage almost makes me want to think that there might be one of those evil sidestand switches involved, might want to check on that too. Good luck keeping the aging beast on the road.
BigJames
BigJames
