Bad starter motor?

After nearly 125,000 mile, the starter on my 1982 XJ750 Maxim is acting up. Sometimes when I hit the start button it fires right up. Other times I get a clackity-clack sound from the starter. After a few attempts it spins up and starts like it should.
Do you think it could be the starter motor or a more serious problem like the starter clutch?
I have yet had to do any major work on this thing and pulling the motor and splitting the cases is not on the menu. I bought this used 10 years ago with just 18,000 on it and I average 10,000 per year. Other than this starter problem it runs like a champ!

 

The starter clutch itself is always a possibility but it's at the bottom of the list.

Due to the intermittent nature of your problem, I'd say the list goes something like this, assuming you're running the proper oil:

-Solenoid.

-Starter.

-then and only then worry about the starter clutch.

 

The solenoid is new so I 'll dig into the starter.
Thanks.

 

If the sound you hear is like stones in a tin can, that's the starter clutch.

 

You are running conventional 20W50 motorcycle oil then, I take it.

With that many miles, I suspect you'll find the starter needs attention. Len has a wide range of parts available, from brushes to "service kits."

 

Who is Len?

 

Oh, sorry.

Forum member chacal, proprietor of XJ4Ever.

Click on logo/link in site banner at upper right; PM him, or send an email to "info AT xj4ever DOT com."

 

Got it. Thanks