Hi all, i have a 1988 Cbr 1000that has done27000kms.I have had this bike for 3 years, latelywhen i attempt to start the bikewhen the engine is cold, the starter clutch makes a crunching soundand this happens several times before it eventualy starts and runs normaly.When trying to start the bike when the engine is warm, it starts fine without no crunching. This same thinghappened about2 years ago and i replaced the starter clutch, wasn't much fun as the engine had to come out and the crankcase split.I couldn't get a exact replacement part and had to get a superceded part which was almost the same. How long should a starter clutch last? Could there be something else that is causing this starting problem?As a reliable Honda the bike has never not started for me but it is just a bit embarassingto start the bike and it makes this loud crunching sound, anyinfo, advice would be much appreciated.Thanks in anticipation!

 

It may be the springs in your starter motor have lost a bit of their tension.........my wife's old CB750 had that problem - we took the starter out and gave the springs a pull to lengthen them
(cheapskate, yeah I know) and sorted the problem. Another cause could be misalignment of the teeth, but not likely or it'd grind all the time.....
Sorry, best I can do without actually hearing it.....