Hello everyone,

This is my first post, since I have recently purchased a Yamaha motorcycle and love it. I would enjoy riding it, if I could get it started. Any help or suggestions that anyone can provide would be GREATLY appreciated!!! On to the issue:

I have a 1980 Yamaha xs850 Special. I just purchased it recently. When I try to start the bike, the starter clicks and makes a grinding sound that doesn't sound fun at all. The motor only turns over slightly, but the starter goes crazy. I have performed a lot of maintenance on the bike since acquiring it, and it includes:

- Brand new battery

- New spark plugs

- Oil & filter change

- Air filter change

- Disconnected/cleaned/reconnected ALL wire harnesses and terminals

- Flushed gas

- Cleaned carbs

- Checked middle/final drive fluid

- New starter

- New starter solenoid

When the bike does start, it runs great! It sounds like a champ! I just can't get it started... I believe it to either be a bad ground/shorted wire, or a bad/chewed gear within the starter clutch assembly. I'm leaning more towards the latter, because the starter sounds like it has enough juice to operate, it just won't engage.

I have included a video on YouTube showing the issue that I am having. Please check it out. I'll try to embed it after the link, if the forum will let me.

- Carl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8NKwGgCUxY

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Hi Carl,

I suggest you look at the starter clutch

my guess too, I dont remember the layout on those, but id pop the starter off.

Did you ever resolve this problem? I have the same problem on the same exact bike? I put a new starter in and still have the problem. Someone told me it could be the starter bendix. I tried searching the internet for the starter bendix, but i havent had any luck.

Thank you,

Cafe Jay