xs850 Special Starter Issues, Video Included

[xenogears76]

ello everyone,

This is my first post, since I have recently purchased a Yamaha motorcycle and love it. I would enjoy riding it, if I could get it started. Any help or suggestions that anyone can provide would be GREATLY appreciated!!! On to the issue:

I have a 1980 Yamaha xs850 Special. I just purchased it recently. When I try to start the bike, the starter clicks and makes a grinding sound that doesn't sound fun at all. The motor only turns over slightly, but the starter goes crazy. I have performed a lot of maintenance on the bike since acquiring it, and it includes:
- Brand new battery
- New spark plugs
- Oil & filter change
- Air filter change
- Disconnected/cleaned/reconnected ALL wire harnesses and terminals
- Flushed gas
- Cleaned carbs
- Checked middle/final drive fluid
- New starter
- New starter solenoid

When the bike does start, it runs great! It sounds like a champ! I just can't get it started... I believe it to either be a bad ground/shorted wire, or a bad/chewed gear within the starter clutch assembly. I'm leaning more towards the latter, because the starter sounds like it has enough juice to operate, it just won't engage.

I have included a video on YouTube showing the issue that I am having. Please check it out. I'll try to embed it after the link, if the forum will let me.

- Carl

[Only registered can see links. ]

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[tubabillhammond]

I'm having similar problems with my 850 Midnight Special. It jsut started recently. Did you ever find out the problem and how did you fix it?

[JimR]

there is one of two things wrong perhaps pm me