Manually Turn Starter Gears

[Guest]

Hi
Is it possible to turn starter gears / flywheel manually (in the direction starter motor would)?
I want to affirm that something in the line (gears, etc) is not stuck / corroded together / etc.

If possible to manually turn, how to go about?

Would turning the crank bolt (CCW) on the left side cover, only turn the engine: or the starter gears / flywheel as well?

Thank you for your time.
Pierre Joubert

[1980GS1000E]

The best way to inspect the starter gears and clutch is to pull off the stator cover on the kick stand side of the engine. There is oil in there so you will need to either lean the bike the other way and secure it or drain some oil. You will also have to remove the sprocket cover.

[Big T]

You can do it on the stator side , or by the big nut on the ignition side

All you'll see is gears turning, unless the idler gear is not actually in place

The starter will not turn , as the starter clutch will ratchet , as it is designed to do

I see in your other thread that you have a starter issue, nope, it's a battery issue. Your battery is dead

[Naturchine]

I appreciate the input & help!
The engine / pistons are still stuck.
Timing advance mechanism 'fingers' are broken off & causes 19mm crankshaft bolt to turn freely.
Bike's backwheel still turns when it's in gear (hardest in 1st gear & easiest in 5th) & somehow isn't locked-up, even though engine is seized.

Still trying to figure out why gearbox isn't driving the crank?

[JTGS850GL]

You might want to stop posting the same problem in multiple threads. It clutters up the forum and makes it more difficult to follow what you're doing. I may also P!$$ off some that could be of better assistance.