1981 750C starter issues

[slash360-2]

Bike starts fine cold, but when I shut it off after running for awhile starter does not fully engage. It just makes a nasty grinding sound.Do I need a new starter,or could it just be the gear.Where should I start. Thanks for the help. Steve in NC.

[Rick V]

That sounds like the starter clutch on the left side of the crankshaft needs some attention.Basicly it is a one way clutch .There are three spring loaded rollers that grip the crankshaft gear when the starter is engaged and freewheels when the engine is running. You need to check the condition of the rollers and gear, if they have any roughness to them they will not engage. Another common problem with them is that the three 8mm bolts that hold the clutch assembly together may come loose, so use loctite when you reassemble them.