What is this?

I have no power to my bike at the moment and im wondering what this thing in the middle is. The positive battery terminal goes straight to it. Is it the starter relay? Can these go bad and cause complete loss of power? Thanks

Yep it's the starter solenoid. But when you say no power. Do you mean no lights, horn or anything? If so check your main fuse. Even if it does not look blown it could be bad. Had a few like that especially with glass fuses. Good luck

Answer the first question Yes, second question No. Check your fuses first and than your ignition switch and plugs.

Unlikely but it is a COIL after all and yes it can happen where you have a shorted winding(s) in the solenoid input coil...

As mentioned check fuses no doubt, in reference to battery ground(frame), measure voltages from battery through terminal connections into ignition switch. Turn ignition switch and measure output voltages.

Same time you can disconnect the (+) feed to the solenoid, and confirm power being supplied throughout your electrical system.

Confirm ideal grounding to frame, engine case...

OMR

Old Man Rock wrote: Unlikely but it is a COIL after all and yes it can happen where you have a shorted winding(s) in the solenoid input coil...

As mentioned check fuses no doubt, in reference to battery ground(frame), measure voltages from battery through terminal connections into ignition switch. Turn ignition switch and measure output voltages.

Same time you can disconnect the (+) feed to the solenoid, and confirm power being supplied throughout your electrical system.

Confirm ideal grounding to frame, engine case...

OMR

When you say disconnect the positive feed to the solenoid and confirm power throughout my electrical system, what does that mean. How do I confirm the power?

Please post a picture of the positive battery cable where it attaches to the battery. Ed

For safety reasons, when working around any battery powered vehicle. I always disconnect the Negative post on the battery. This way, if the Positive cable touched any frame parts, there would not be any sparks,flames or arc welding simulations.

The starter solenoid carries the high current(amps) to be able to rotate the starter motor, starting the engine. The start button on the right handlebar pod connects to the coil wires of the solenoid when pushed. This switch could not carry the load and would quickly burn out.