Starter Clutch question

[johnod]

Could someone explain to me what disengages once the engine is started?

Does the big gear on the starter clutch disengage from the idler gear?
That's the only thing i can figure might be happening.

Just a general interest question, thanks.

[Steve]

There are a total of three gears: starter motor, idler and clutch. The larger gear on the clutch rides on a hub. Between the two pieces are three spring-loaded rollers that roll against a tapered ramp. When the starter motor is engaged, the rollers go against the ramp and get wedged, forcing the hub to turn. The hub is bolted to the back side of the flywheel, which is also the magnet assembly for the charging system.

When the crank is moving faster than the starter gears, the rollers are freed from the ramp and basically just float in place. All three gears are constantly meshed, the only disengagement is at the roller/hub interface.

.

[johnod]

There are a total of three gears: starter motor, idler and clutch. The larger gear on the clutch rides on a hub. Between the two pieces are three spring-loaded rollers that roll against a tapered ramp. When the starter motor is engaged, the rollers go against the ramp and get wedged, forcing the hub to turn. The hub is bolted to the back side of the flywheel, which is also the magnet assembly for the charging system.

When the crank is moving faster than the starter gears, the rollers are freed from the ramp and basically just float in place. All three gears are constantly meshed, the only disengagement is at the roller/hub interface.

.

Thanks for reply Steve.
Have I got this right?

Once the engine is started, the clutch gear , stops spinning due to the clutch disengaging, while rotor/flywheel continue to spin?
Is that it?

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Here's a good video of an explanation of how I think our GS strarter clutch works. As Steve mentioned, all of the gears are always meshed. The starter clutch spring/ramp set up keeps the gear behind the rotor from spinning so the starter motor doesn't spin after ignition is achieved. At least that's how I understand it.

here's an animation. not sure this is exactly how the the Suzuki starter clutch spring/ramp set up looks, but I think the principle is the same.

[johnod]

That was great, thank you both, I think I've got it now.