Scratching sound when starting

Hi All,

My bike is an '85 Maxim-X 750, which means XJ750X I believe.

Normally I have no issues starting the bike. However, yesterday the bike turned over for about 1-2 seconds, then stopped turning, then started making a scratchy sound - like wet gravel. I could let off the starter switch, and this pattern repeated a couple of times before the bike started - turn over a couple times, stop turning over and start making scary scratching sound instead.

When it's making the scratching sound, not much appears to be happening. ie: The bike is not shaking like it does when the starter is working.

Once started, everything appeared to operate normally (runs great, just put 2000 km's on her in the B.C. Kootenays!)

Any ideas what this means?

Thanks,

coreyinoz

 

Sounds like your starter clutch is slipping. This can happen for many reasons. But it is likely your issue is Battery not at full charge and/or starter gunked up. Check fluid level in battery and charge it. If battery is ok remove the starter and clean the commutator. They get clogged with brush material. Check you brushes and lube the assembly.