starter clutch

[herbie]

Hi chaps,
started having problems with my starter clutch not engaging. Sometimes it works fine and at other times it just won't play. Is this a common problem with the XS 1100?

Is there anything that can be done to improve matters and are there any easy fixes or is it time to look inside the crankcases?

Regards,
Herbie.

[nwilley]

XS11 starters engaging intermittently are usually a problem with cold oil, as well as oil viscosity. This same complaint shows up on the BMW list. If you are running the bike during cooler winter weather, change the oil to something lighter (10-40?), then go back to 20-50 for summer riding. Not a problem to worry about!

[xsivebiker]

There are more tips on this subject on page 4 of XS11/XJ11 discussion. Just go to the very bottom of this page and click on page four.
Greg
1980 XS1100-G [Fully dressed]
1982 CX500 Custom [Wife's bike]
1979 XL250-S

[xsivebiker]

Sorry, I should have said to go to the very bottom of the XS11/XJ11 discussion "home page" and then click on page 4.
It appears on the top of page four and is titled Starter Clutch. Sorry again for any confusion.
Greg
1980 XS1100-G [Fully dressed]
1982 CX500 Custom [Wife's bike]
1979 XL250-S