Hello everyone. My motorcycle isn't starting!

The starter motor is spinning but it just won't engage the engine. A local mechanic suggested that it is likely the starter clutch which is either ball bearings or a chain. Does anyone know?

They said that it should be easy to fix. Which is good because I am trying to sell it right now.

My bike is a 99 GS500 (Canadian model, if that matters)

The starter clutch is 3 spring loaded cylinders which grip a shaft when the starter spins the gear they are mounted in. I just put mine back together.

The whole thing is in behind the alternator, so it is a bit tricky to get to. The Suzuki maual calls for two special tools to get the alternator rotor off. I managed to do it without the tools, but it would be easy to damage the alternator.

Thanks KevnC.

Does anyone know if I will damage the engine by bump starting it and running it?

Bump starting won't hurt anything. It's easiest in second gear. The GS bump starts real easy.

Edit: Since the starter clutch isn't engaging, I doubt if running it will affect it any more. It does worry me a bit that it quit at all actually. It seems like a pretty simple mechanism.

Just pulling the alternator side cover, and tapping the big gear behind the alternator rotor might jiggle free the rollers....?