kz550 wont start unless arcked on start solenoid

hey guys I have a 1981 kz550. I just began working on it after sitting for 10 years. when I put the bike up it was running. only problem was in order to start it I have to arc the starting solenoid with a screwdriver to turn the motor over. if I push the start button I get nothing. all my fuses are all brand new, new batter, new starting solenoid. ,made sure my ignition connections were plugged in. any suggestions???

If new starter solenoid then
Bad connections at the stop/run switch, the start button or the starter lockout switch at the clutch lever.

a multi meter will help you trace continuity (ohms) and where you have power.

Take the handlebar control apart and clean the contacts of the push button and kill switch.
It should be that, the only thing that push button is doing is sending or completing the 12v circuit for the solenoid to pull in.... so that the contactor inside it, connects the battery directly to the starter motor.
The kill switch can be the thing that completes the 12v circuit for the ignition coils... etc.
As mentioned previously, if after being sure there is or is not 12v to the start leads on the solenoid when depressing the button, you can decide if you need to buy another solenoid.

FYI, there's a complete KZ 550 for sale in the LA area, listed as parts only, $200. Beautiful. It's about 1.5 hours away but I can't afford to buy it right now. He sent me a e-mail and if you're interested, PM me with your address and I will forward it to you. Deals like this don't come along every day.
Steve

Not trying to be insulting, but are you pulling in the clutch lever when you push the starter button? Ed

thanks to all of you for your input. the bike currently sits in a bran that is a death trap to get to it haha. I just put a new garage floor in and driveway so I had to put it on hold for a little bit. I know the solenoid is getting 12 volts. I cleaned all the fuse clips and replaced with new. I haven't had a chance to take the throttle tube off and clean the kill switch and start button yet or even test it. and ed at first I was not holding in the clutch lol. figured since it was in neutral I didn't need to seeings how that's how I start my dirtbike. but my dad caught me doing it and when we tried that I still had nothing. this bike needs a lot of tlc. the last time I had it running was in 05 when I was 15. the gas from 05 is still sitting in the carbs

It's turned into varnish.
Steve

You have 12v + when the start button is pushed? are you getting a ground on the other wire? if in doubt get a jumper wire and ground it to the battery -ve.

550's are great bikes, well worth restoring.

steve, oh yea that gas is trash and the crabs are probably a mess. I have a lot of work to do. I know the motor is fine. it turned over when I arched the solenoid. I don't plan to restore it to original spec. I want to extend the swing arm. run struts, probably swap the front end, id like to cut the seat down llike ive seen the kz900. then paint it white. however my dad owns the bike and has told me I can do whatever I want however I must keep all original parts when I go to paint. once I get the bike in the garage I will be able to post pics. I use to drag race it in the dirt in 05 but being 25 I want to return it to the street. ride that until I can get my hands on a 900 or 1000. but in ohio people have trash bikes and still want 4 grand plus

Pull the carbs and clean them. Post pics before, during and after. You may need help.
Steve

Psst that's everywhere that folks want 4grand plus for garbage.

Multiple reasons. Ebay prices on good condition bikes; the pawnstars effect (i cant pay that, will you take half) they bought it for that much, or theyre fishing for offers. I had an ltd frame/forks/swingarm/wheels/engine on craigslist for two months with no bite, for a couple hundred bucks, with title. Oh well, made room that bike's gonna get put together and sold that way.

I complained about the same crap when I joined, true story, the 550 is a better bike than the majority of 1000s they didnt get beat up as much, low collectability, incredible gas mileage and theyre light

Oh and to keep on the topic, there's a white or white/redstripe bullet connector near the battery box that if coroded can make it so the solonoid doesn't work