Hey all, I'm having some starter issues, it spins but the pinion gear does not pop out to engage the flywheel. It's not like an auto starter with the solenoid on the side and the arm that pops the shaft out, I believe it is what they call an 'inertia style' starter, which means the rotational motion created by the motor is what causes the shaft to pop out and engage the flywheel. I have it taken apart on my bench right now (I'd like to rebuild it if possible), but I'm having a hard time seeing anything that would be causing my issue. Does anyone have experience working on these starters? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

what year is your bike, sounds like you might be needing a starter clutch, which is located inside the starter motor body.
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It's an '89. I have it disassembled on my workbench, I can post pics tomorrow when I get home if you think that would help.

 

it does not use a forked type engagement but it does use a plunger type which is part of the solenoid. if it spins and you do not hear the solenoid trying to extend, then remove the square cover to reveal it. if you hear it extending but does not turn the engine over, then look at the starter clutch by removing the housing where the drive gear extends out.

 

As Bustert says, starter clutch.

If the starter motor is spinning when the start button is pressed, but not cranking the motor, the starter clutch is slipping.

The starter will not spin until the solenoid extends, because the solenoid electrical contacts do not engage until the plunger is fully extended.

When the windings in the solenoid are energized, the magnetic force pulls pulls the plunger into position.

It is not an inertial starter.

Here`s a good video showing how to replace the starter clutch: