Loud clicking sound when trying to start 96 r1100rt

[chaz]

Never had a starting problem before, but I've only had the bike for a year. Went to play tennis the other night and when I got on the bike to go home, the starter wouldn't engage, there was a loud clicking sound from around the starter and the lights dimmed.
I brought the bike home the next day, charged the battery to full capacity, and tried again. No luck. I took out the battery and cleaned all the wires and terminals and tried again. No luck again. I've now removed the starter and I'm going to a starter/alternator shop on Monday to have it checked. The bike is a 96 with a lot of miles. Anyone else had a starter failure?
This is my first beemer and it's much more fun to ride than the Harley (totalled Easter of 06).
Thanks in advance.
Chaz

[Kaybee40]

If the lights dim then it is likely to be the battery. It may apparently charge up to full capacity judged by the voltage but the capacity in amp hrs may be low due to deterioration of the battery plates.

[IanW]

Forget the starter, it is the battery.
Ian :)

[used2jeep]

Or just a bad connection from the "hot" side of the starter relay to the starter itself. I would start (no pun intended) there.

[chaz]

I took the starter to a rebuild shop. They said the solenoid was hanging up. had it rebuilt (~$50.00).
Took the starter to Autozone. Bad cell. Bought new one at BMW dealer (gel cell, $120.00).
Another member contacted me about "hydrolock" (oil in the cylinder(s)). I pulled the plugs and hit the start button. Oil pumped out of the left cylinder. How do I get the oil out other than hitting the starter button and what do I do after that?

Thanks!
Chaz

bump