Starting/ Starter Issue

Here we go again...

Just got Francesca back together after sourcing new vertical downpipe and a bunch of other loose ends. One of the updates was an upgraded starter and grounding wire kit. Had a lot of trouble getting the stupid nut off the starter lead wire to replace it. When I went to mount the new starter lead, found the wire post was moving around a bit in the starter case. Like, the post for the starter lead had play. I got it to bite as I secured the new lead but it didn't sit well with me. Wouldn't be able to test till I got the tank and all the electronics back in.

Got it all back together today and flicked the starter. Got an electrical *pop* from the starter solenoid box (circled). No movement from starter and dash reset. When I tried a 2nd time, same *pop* and then the dash screen booted to "M.A.E." title screen with software and "PTA" version info. Disconnected battery, which was fully charged, checked all connections, inspected solenoid box in picture. No blown fuses, either. Same results on next attempt.

If someone says it's the starter, I'm probably gonna dowse in kerosene and toss a match. I am not in the right head space to remove half the engine to pull the starter. Not sure if I can remove the starter shell while it's installed. Really hoping for a brilliant quick fix from someone smarter than me.

Any chance it could be the solenoid box circled? I checked the fuses inside but didn't reset the leads. Any suggestions on how to go about testing this circuit and the starter with a meter?

Francesca is alive! Gently fiddled with the starter post and left the lead on without securing. Hooked the battery back up and vroom! Honestly, I was struggling with the new ground/ battery wires. Very stiff and setup for OEM lead acid. Had to really fight the memory of all the aux wires and my tiny Lithium. May have just been as simple as not a great connection for that circuit but, figured if the dash and electronics fired up, should be good. Just hope it's not a finicky starter post that I'll have to kick every time it won't start.

Bones, almost forgot why I installed the new wires. My starter, which is a new Denso unit, was chugging. Especially when it was colder out. I know you have to warm Lithium batteries up in colder temps but mine was way out of spec. I would have to run the high beams for nearly 5 minutes, plus turn the starter multiple times before it would ignite. If I thumbed the starter too long, it would boot the ECU because the voltage dropped too low.

I was partially paying attention but, it turns over in 1 to 2 starter cycles now. I starter it about 5 times today and it was definitely crisp and quick. Could probably get marginal results from existing wires by cleaning the contact points and adding some di-electric grease. New ground, positive and starter wires were much heavier gauge.