Changing Starter clutch

[eagletom]

I think I need to replace the starter clutch I’ve ran seafoam and Mystery oil through the motor but it still doesn’t engage most of the time. Has anybody done this and if so is there a way of doing it without splitting the cases? I have a 1980 XS1000 G but also have a 1978 parts bike that I was planning on using the starter clutch and maybe putting in the kick starter. I was hoping to do all this and do the second gear fix at the same time if possible from the underside.

[bikerphil]

starter clutch

Hate to say it, but the only way to get at the starter clutch is... yep, you guessed it... to split the cases. If the starter spins ok but no engagement, most likely that's the problem. Sometimes using too thick an oil will do that too, but usually in colder temperatures. Cracking the cases can be done by removing the engine, flipping it upside down. There's no need to take off the head. Welcome to the forum & good luck!

[fredintoon]

Hi Tom,
When I first got my XS11SG it was doing that. I looked at the book and it seemed to me that they put that mechanism on a stand and built the entire bike around it. What I did before tearing the motor down was to try the starter with jumper cables and a fully charged car battery. Instant fix. I'd say try that first and if that's the cure, buy a new battery.