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F#$%$# starter clutch on an XC

13K views 44 replies 21 participants last post by  BobMoe 
#1 ·
Went to start the bike for the first time a week or so cuz of the weather.. it was 30 F so not that damn cold. Roll bike out, put it in neutral, flip the key on and let the pump prime then I HELD DOWN the starter.. it sorta caught then just spins. I never let go of the damn starter button but it appears the starter clutch is destroyed. WTF. I need to know best case where/how much to replace. I've tried trolling through the forums but there's so much white noise in all the threads its ridiculous.

Just as an aside.. I have NEVER had a bike or a car that was this freaking delicate about cold weather... My Kingpin **** itself because the oil got condensation in it from it being cold and now this one the starter clutch blew because it was too cold? I've literally chipped ICE off the kick starter of an old Suzuki when it was 15F outside that had set for 3 weeks in a snowbank and never had a problem.. but THESE MOF#W$%#$%'s need to be wrapped in an electric blankie with a space heater or some sh1t? /end rant
 
#32 ·
Sounds like it may be a bearing to me. Not knowledgeable on the starter parts on the bike so could be 100% off base.
 
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#34 ·
The starter clutch outter gear is turned by the starter sprag which is is driven by the starter to turn the the engine over. Once the engine starts and is turning faster than the starter the starter sprag freewheels. The outer gear of the sprag and idler gear continue to spin as long as the engine runs. I've never heard of a starter sprag/clutch making any noise. Only not grabbing when trying to start but anything is possible. Theres one small bearing in the assembly acording to this parts diagram. It's cheap so I would replace that too.

2012 Victory CROSS ROADS ALL OPTIONS (V12BW36/EW36) Engine, Starter Motor All Options | PartsPitstop.com
 
#35 ·
I guess my thought process, is the sprag (clutch drive) is slipping. I have had a starter clutch drive (sprag) make the very same noise I'm hearing, in my 85 V65 Sabre or so i thought, I bought the parts and sold the bike before making the repair. Honda mechanic diagnosed the starter clutch.
If the idler gear keeps spinning while the engine is running then the noise should continue. Unless the bearing is barely worn and only sings under load. Possible.
I believe the starter connects to the torque limit clutch which turns the clutch drive, which turns the engine. I believe the torque limit clutch protects the starter in case of a backfire? Just guessing here. If your right, then it's got to be the Torque limiter clutch and maybe moaning is OK?. From my research, very few of these are every sold, so I'm not considering that now. I have no experience with this type clutch so who knows? Its sounding like I need to inspect the torque clutch also. Thanks,
 
#36 ·
The starter clutch outter gear is turned by the starter sprag which is is driven by the starter to turn the the engine over. Once the engine starts and is turning faster than the starter the starter sprag freewheels. The outer gear of the sprag and idler gear continue to spin as long as the engine runs. I've never heard of a starter sprag/clutch making any noise. Only not grabbing when trying to start but anything is possible. Theres one small bearing in the assembly acording to this parts diagram. It's cheap so I would replace that too.

2012 Victory CROSS ROADS ALL OPTIONS (V12BW36/EW36) Engine, Starter Motor All Options | PartsPitstop.com
You were right, starter clutch was just fine. I installed the new one anyway, I still have the starter noise. I am just going to live with it.
The second hardest part of the job was the round snap ring removal, the hardest was installing that snap ring!
 
#38 ·
Maybe your hearing a dry bushing or bearing inside the starter
 
#40 ·
Stupid question but what kinda grease did ya use
 
#41 ·
No stupid questions, not sure what grease Andrews Start Shop used. The starter definitely sounded better after the rebuild, the noise however was still present. The bike has only been started maybe 10 times since the rebuild, its possible the grease is gone, but I doubt it. They told me all they did was clean it, and grease the bearings, brushes were fine. Thanks,
"As for the future, I hear Nothing"
 
#42 ·
Stupid question but what kinda grease did ya use
Really, do you have to always be almost right! How about no grease!!!!
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Just finished a 1300 mile awesome ride through Cloudcroft, Silver City, and Alpine AZ. The starter started getting real loud!! Keep in mind I just had it rebuilt. "I hear something" No grease on the rear bushing, left out the trust washer, didn't polish the shaft, left debris in the front bearing! Not happy!
To top it off my new Barnett Clutch cable started seizing up? I couldn't use the clutch the last day, had to shift clutch less, two up, and in the Mountains.
Starter is fixed with Victory grease, Barnett Clutch cable removed and my old stock one back in place(works great), new tail light ordered from witch doctors, taillight circuit has a short. I think the short has been there a while. Hard to see a taillight short!
Thanks for all the help, the dry bearing noise during start up or shut down is most likely dry starter bushings and bearings. Why do I have to be so hard headed?
 
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