Thought I had a bad battery, bike was turning over poorly, coughing and spitting back through the intake every now and again. Got a new battery but it didn't solve the issue. Now I can hear my starter spinning, but not engaging. Anyone experience any of this or have any idea what's going on? Just a bad starter??

 

Starter clutch probably took a dump.

 

Any idea of that would cause the symptoms I've been experiencing. This has been going on since about summer last year. Granted, I'm in WI so my bike was parked from Nov - April. But it has been slowly getting worse since it stated to happen last year.

 

Starter clutch would cause the spinning. Another possibility is the ring gear may have some fubar teeth. Open up the primary and have a look-see at what's going on. Also check the solenoid.

 

Have any engine work done? Compression up.a bit? I had starter issues you phenytoin..

 

One thing I noticed on mine for hot engine starts, I turn on the ignition and then flip the run switch on I imediatly hit the start button.
This eliminates the start kickback I was having.
A thought for when you get yours fixed.

 

Compensator problem? it can take out the starter clutch.

 

When my starter refuses to promptly spin the engine I press the starter switch briefly a few times to pass the compression point; then the engine starts immediately without knocking and the battery doesn't suffer much.
I believe we have too much compression or the gearing of the starter should be changed.

 

Yes, 107" spring of last year. All this started happening right after that.

 

I've read quite a few posts on here about Compensator issues and replacing them with the SE compensator. I think I should probably just do that to be on the safe side.