Is my starter about to end?

[Guest]

About 50% of the time when I go to start the bike I get a wrrrrriiiing noise instead of the engine cranking and finally the bike starting. It doesn't matter if I'm in gear, 1st or 2nd (clutch lever held), or neutral. Also doesn't matter if the bike it cold or hot.

If I then put the bike in gear, release the clutch level and roll the bike forward until it stops and then roll it back until it stops before trying the starter again usually the engine will crank and the bike starts.

Any ideas why?

I should add that before I got the Honda R/R I push started the bike maybe 10-15 times, releasing the clucth while in 1st gear (someone later told me I shoudl have used 2nd gear). Not sure this had any impact on the starter but thought I should mention it, especially since I don't recall it doing this until around the time I changed the R/R.

Please let me know what you think I should look at.

Thank you,
-Bob

Thanks!
-Bob

[chef1366]

Sounds like your starter clutch going going gone!

[dirtyfingers]

Yup. I agree, starter clutch. Just like the other clutch, if you take care of it at the early symptoms, it will be less costly to repair.

[littleroot]

Yup. I agree, starter clutch. Just like the other clutch, if you take care of it at the early symptoms, it will be less costly to repair.

OK, what do I do - where do I start?

I cannot find the word "starter" on the front page fo Basscliff.

Thanks,
-Bob

[argonsagas]

Let's see, Your starter is turning, but the engine is not.
The starter drive gear is constantly engaged, and your engine will turn over eventually, so the gear must still be fixed on its shaft. That means the described problem can only be the starter clutch.


This thread will give you more information:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=143744&highlight=%22starter+clutch%22

[slip]

Yep, starter clutch. Mine did the same thing, until, it finally sheared the bolts. The clutch is held onto the magneto by three hex cap bolts. These eventually shear off. I repaired mine by putting it back together and replacing the bolts. There is three springs, and three metal cyclinders that push against the crankshaft to engage it in one direction. I was told by some that this is only a temporary fix, but it has held up so far. I have a brand new one if interested, for $125 shipped. You would have to look at the fiche to see if would fit, as I have a 1000.

[littleroot]

Yep, starter clutch. Mine did the same thing, until, it finally sheared the bolts. The clutch is held onto the magneto by three hex cap bolts. These eventually shear off. I repaired mine by putting it back together and replacing the bolts. There is three springs, and three metal cyclinders that push against the crankshaft to engage it in one direction. I was told by some that this is only a temporary fix, but it has held up so far. I have a brand new one if interested, for $125 shipped. You would have to look at the fiche to see if would fit, as I have a 1000.

Hi, Thanks for that. I will have to check if it fits.

[littleroot]

Let's see, Your starter is turning, but the engine is not.
The starter drive gear is constantly engaged, and your engine will turn over eventually, so the gear must still be fixed on its shaft. That means the described problem can only be the starter clutch.


This thread will give you more information:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...rter+clutch%22

Any chance the same problem could be caused by very low oil level? I changed my oild and made sure it was filled all the way - could have been nearly two quarts low - and now, knock on wood, it's been solid for two days.

Thanks,
-Bob

[littleroot]

Any chance the same problem could be caused by very low oil level? I changed my oild and made sure it was filled all the way - could have been nearly two quarts low - and now, knock on wood, it's been solid for two days.

Thanks,
-Bob

Ha, well, I answered my own question: it died last night. I left work and it started fine but I made a stop on the way home and it's toast. I had to push start the bike to get home. This morning I tried it once and it almost kicked over but no go. I am going to stop riding now and make repairs ASAP. :-(