86 VFR700 Starter Problem

[dirtbiker525]

I need some help on a 86 700 starter issue, the starter sounds like it is running fine, however it seems like it is not engaging correctly. The starter engages then just starts spinning. Is there a starter solenoid that forces the starter gear into the starter gear? Im going to tear it down this weekend and see what I can see, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[masonv45]

Sounds like your starter clutch is broken or the springs are wore out.

Typically the springs wear out and need to be replaced. Some have replaced the springs inside with stronger ones. That just galls the inside of the clutch more.

If nothing is broken, inspect for any galling. If none, replace the springs with new stock if possible. If there is galling, you will have to replace that part.

[bialecki86]

put battery on a trickel charger then try to start bike(so u dont drain it while trying to start bike). when it starts that "spinning" get under bike still pressing the start button and bash the starter with handle of a screw driver. any money says it will start. u just gotta hit it hard enough. happened on my 86 every once and a while

[koorbloh]

put battery on a trickel charger then try to start bike(so u dont drain it while trying to start bike). when it starts that "spinning" get under bike still pressing the start button and bash the starter with handle of a screw driver. any money says it will start. u just gotta hit it hard enough. happened on my 86 every once and a while

I've heard of this method.....where on the starter do you hit?

[dirtbiker525]

I really think there is something wrong with the actual engaging of the starter, you talk about the starter clutch springs, is this a type of starter solenoid. I have been looking through the manual to see what needs to be done to get it fixed. I really appreciate your input. thank you

[bialecki86]

it looks like a tiny cylnder . its in front of the bike above the headers. you can see it with the plastics on. good luck

[eddievalleytrailer]

put battery on a trickel charger then try to start bike(so u dont drain it while trying to start bike). when it starts that "spinning" get under bike still pressing the start button and bash the starter with handle of a screw driver. any money says it will start. u just gotta hit it hard enough. happened on my 86 every once and a while

WHAT??? The starter on this bike is engaged ALL the time. The gear on the starter only turns, it does not "kick out" like in a car. The starter clutch is inside the engine case on the right side in the front. If the starter is turning fast enough and the engine not turning, you have a problem with the clutch. It sounds like you'd be money ahead to take it to an experienced mechanic to have the clutch repaired. The right side of the engine case has to come off to get it out. First, make sure the starter is turning as fast as it should. I might go ahead and install a set of brushes in the starter while it is apart. A 21 year old starter could use a set of brushes anyway. Sometimes a set of worn brushes can cause the starter to make a whirring noise, but not really turning. A replacement starter is in the neighborhood of 4 C-notes, so I wouldn't be banging on it, when a set of brushes is only about 40 bucks. Good Luck!!

[trwirtz]

eddie is right. The starter clutch always spins-unlike a car starter. Banging it will do little good and much potential harm. My '86 does the same thing when the temp outside gets colder, i.e. the motor spins but the clutch doesn't catch. When it's warm, never a problem, It's gone on for years like this but has never really failed. Try getting the starter warm(space heater maybe?). In a pinch try running the starter motor for 10-15 sec a couple of times as the heat of the motor seems to help free up the clutch. Worth a try.

[eddievalleytrailer]

eddie is right. The starter clutch always spins-unlike a car starter. Banging it will do little good and much potential harm. My '86 does the same thing when the temp outside gets colder, i.e. the motor spins but the clutch doesn't catch. When it's warm, never a problem, It's gone on for years like this but has never really failed. Try getting the starter warm(space heater maybe?). In a pinch try running the starter motor for 10-15 sec a couple of times as the heat of the motor seems to help free up the clutch. Worth a try.

Yep, I've seen starter clutches give trouble on a bike which hasn't been started in a few months or longer. Sometimes they just get stuck when cold or haven't been used in a while, unless it broke a spring.

[masonv45]

The wacking of the solenoid is a solution for a starter motor not turning. Yours is turning. It's just not turning the engine.

Here is a video on how to repair the starter clutch on a V65 Magna. Yours should be very similar.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...90578350336971

[koorbloh]

hmm....sounds like I need to bust out the hair dryer :)

[dirtbiker525]

exactly, it did not do it when it was warm, however as soon as it turned really cold then it started, on a scale of 1-10, how difficult is it to change the clutch springs

[koorbloh]

this looks to be a common problem with these things....

I had no issues with my bike when it was warm....I wonder if my wife would let me bring the bike inside for a few hours to warm up....

of course I'll leave it on a tarp, honey, and I won't start it in the house.....

[koorbloh]

this looks to be a common problem with these things....

I had no issues with my bike when it was warm....I wonder if my wife would let me bring the bike inside for a few hours to warm up....

of course I'll leave it on a tarp, honey, and I won't start it in the house.....

I'll let you guys know if this helps me on Saturday morning

[mototoad]

It's common on them. My 86 750 did it. Now if I could only remember what the fix was... was only about 12-13 years ago... I think I just took the gears out and rotated them. Something odd like that. They were sticking and not sliding out to engage when the button was pushed. Just made a racket. I don't recall buying new parts so it must have been something I just had to take apart and tinker with. Sorry to be so vague. Good luck. James.

[mototoad]

Ok... I looked at the vid of the Magna. The VFR is a little different but the video reminded me of some roller pins. I think I rotated them to different locations. Never had another problem. Bike had 42K when I sold it. Wish I had the manual and I could say for sure. James.

[dirtbiker525]

I watched the video, and this is exactly whats wrong with my 86 700. Does anyone make a rebuild kit with all replaceable parts for my 86 VFR700F?

[koorbloh]

I'll let you guys know if this helps me on Saturday morning

don't know if you've solved your problem, but I solved mine by storing it in the house....it's been a couple weeks since I posted that, but I finally brought the bike in, and when I rolled it back outside this morning, it started right up!