starter problem

[speedlimit85]

I am having a starter problem. Please help me to diagnose it. Sometimes it starts fine. Other times, the starter motor makes a tsh sound and does not crank.

Thank you'all for your help.

[bikerphil]

Make sure voltage to starter is strong, check state of battery and condition of all positive connections and ground strap from frame to middle drive unit. Are you using a synthetic type motor oil or any motor oil with friction modifiers? Worst case scenario is the starter clutch is on it's last legs and replacement will entail splitting the engine cases.

[speedlimit85]

I hope not.

[skids]

Every xs11 that I have owned (4) have done this, especially when the crankcase is cold. Once you can get it to "catch" it will warm-up the oil and you can rest assure that it will start on your ride if you gas-up. Synthetic oil is bad for that.

[speedlimit85]

Okay. That's encouraging. So synthetic oil make the clutch slip and the starter not work? Is this another oil thread?

[HalfCentury]

Okay. That's encouraging. So synthetic oil make the clutch slip and the starter not work? Is this another oil thread?

My 1982 XJ650 transmission/clutch slipped when I acquired it in 2008. Changing oil to Walmart Supertec cheap oil cured the slippage.

1970s/1980s Yamaha inline 4-cylinder bikes mostly do not like synthetic oil.

[skids]

Okay. That's encouraging. So synthetic oil make the clutch slip and the starter not work? Is this another oil thread?

Well, its an oil - starter clutch - slipping clutch thing. No problem! It isn't like this forum is overwhelmed.