starter issues

[papacole]

hey guys.. got a 2004 gs500f.. having some starting issues. turn the key on.. all lights come on but when i hit the starter switch i get a single click sometimes following by an electrical whine (sounds like something charging up) but the bike will not start. got a new battery, new plugs..checked voltages to starter switch..relay..ect.. any ideas on what it could be and how to troubleshoot it?

[sledge]

The term `not starting` doesnt mean much. Could the whining sound you describe be the starter motor spinning up to speed without turning the engine over? If so I would suspect the problem is with the starter clutch or its gearing.

[W201028]

I know this is an old thread, just thought i might save someone alot of money.
My 2009 just gave me this problem, starter spinning and whining but not turning the engine. It got progressivly worse until one day it wouldnt start at all. I took it to the dealer (where I had wisely bought the extended warrenty) and was told it was probably the starter clutch and would take days to get parts.
I got a call the next day, they had opened the bottom end up and found the bolt holding the flywheel/starter gear was loose as a goose, causing enough slack to not engage the engine. Torqued it back up and im back on the road.
Just a heads up before you go spending $200+ on starter parts, gaskets and oil.