No electrical start

Hey all. Looking for advice.

1985 vf700f
Problem: Not starting
Bike was ridden frequently prior to issue.
Checks: Start switch on, battery charged and load test good at shop, new starter relay installed, cables are tight at battery and grounds are tight, fuses are good.

Press start button and get one click from the starter relay. Bike does nothing else. No sound, no multiple clicks, no sound from the starter. I try this while in neutral and 1st with clutch in. I tried tapping the starter motor with a mallet as well.

I am able to pop start the bike by pushing in 1st and letting go of clutch. It will ride around no matter how long without dying. Just can't get the electric start to work.

Wouldn't the starter motor make some kind of sound?

 

Here's yet ANOTHER post where stating the bike's mileage is relevant to the question asked and it's answer.

With high mileage and/or a bike that has had starting problems sometime in its long history the starter motor brushes might have worn out. Test starter again by hooking up a car battery with jumper cables: Positive to the external post, negative to chassis. No go ?? Remove starter, remove 2 long screws, pull off the back cover and check the brushes. FSM states minimum acceptable length. Replace brushes with new ones, clean out dust, and it should be good to go. Test both field coil and armature for continuity.