86 GPZ1000RX starter clutch issue?

[texasSStornado]

Just picked up an 86 GPZ1000 that's been dormant for a few years. Previous owner said he was riding it until the starter went out, that's all he knew about it. Got it home, put a fresh battery in it, whiiiiiizzzzzzzz. Sounds like the starter is not engaging, must be the starter clutch, correct? Assuming the motor's not stuck, and it's only been off the road a year, condition of the bike is not that bad. What am I looking at to repair this puppy? A quick google searched mentioned splitting the cases, tell me this isn't so! Hate to part her out, but probably won't be pulling a motor out to fix a starter clutch, somebody please school me on the process! First of all, is there any chance the starter itself is bad, and not the starter clutch? I have several ZL900 and ZL1000 Eliminator parts bikes, and thought maybe the starters and or clutches would be the same?? Thanks guys, will post some pics later!!!!

[Lawn Masters]

I know there are a number of bikes whose clutches interchange.

you will have to split the cases to reach the starter clutch, there is absolutely no way around this. pulling the motor is a very interestesting experience though. head MUST come off for the motor to come out or you're wrestling with a 200 pound engine it feels like.

once you've pulled the engine, the process is pretty easy honestly. I've only pulled my ZX engine out like 7 times now and disassembled/reassembled it. I could do it in my sleep practically.

[texasSStornado]

Sounds like I might be parting it out then, I'm not up to a complete engine disassembly, I'm just not that mechanically inclined!!!! If anyone in the Dallas area is interested in it, I will sell it cheap, 35K miles, clear TX title, plastics are marginal, seat is torn, stock mufflers are decent, all electrical items are present and working, really is salvagable!!!! I will take some pictures of it and post them in the classified section!!!!!

[Lawn Masters]

get me some pics if you're going to part it out. I might be into a few things off it for mine. namely the side panels that cowl piece that works as a shroud for the radiator, and probably the upper.

alternately, you could always buy the parts and have a shop do it.

[texasSStornado]

Have a shop do it? Are you kidding me? Most shops around here don't touch older bikes, and the ones that do are getting 100 bucks an hour for labor! I'd quickly have 3K sunk into a 1500 dollar bike! Not fiscally responsible!!! I got it cheap enough that I knew I could part it out and get my money back, so that's probably the route I will take!!!!! Will post some pics soon!

[Lawn Masters]

well, it was a thought. for $40 or so you can buy a service manual, and I can hook ya up with a starter clutch to fix it. its really not an extremely complicated process really.

If you want to fix it, I'll walk you through it and give you an idea of how it can be done easiest.

[ZX900A1]

Check the chain in the clutch cover. It transmits the torque from the starter to the crankshaft. An easy fix.

[pedro juan]

yeah no drama take the side case off and its all there!it sounds to me that its not throwing the starter clutch.

[lkwinnipesaukee]

Why don't you try to replace the clutch, and if you can't, then part it out?

[norm68]

Why would you want to part out a perfectly good motorcycle?

[lkwinnipesaukee]

Because the labor alone if he brought it to a shop would be $2.5k. Literally the entire bike and engine must be disassembled and reassembled.

[scarter3689]

My 86 zx1000 has the same problem. it barely grabs sometimes but then sounds like ****. Im ordering the parts but im afraid to go in. i dont want to go in there and get in over my head. I have the manuel but im not sure where to start. Im not an idiot when it comes to mechanics, but i dont want to screw things up. the motors out WHERE DO I START????

[kopcicle]

You start with a clean work area and plenty of places to put parts as they come off the bike . Then on to the engine removal page . Once the engine is loose and you remember to remove the ground cable (something I forget) get a couple folk to help get the engine out and on a bench, upside down . The manual will show you which bolts clamp the case together . Remove the lower case , replace the starter clutch , reinstall the case , reinstall the engine .

Seems simple put that way don't it

~kop

[vale]

im about to do the same to a 1988 ninga 600. i havent done any work on bikes for about 13 years .. just atempt it

[scarter3689]

Do I have to remove the crankshaft to get to the gears in there?

[vale]

no u dont, but u will have to remove engin and open up. Thats the bad news , good news is sense you have a know how around tools you will have no problem. Just read your manual and take your time , have a clean working area. that should garante good results.let me know how things go . ill be starting mine in the next day or so

[scarter3689]

I can't get the sprocket off the bolt is so tight it just turns the engine over. Anyone know how to go about this??

[vale]

the manual tells u how to stop that , im using impact wrench . the air tools make things faster . just started my tear downwill be posting pictures on mechanics corner

[scarter3689]

so i got the starter clutch in and the bike started right up! rode it around for a few days. IT WAS GREAT. just when i thought all was well the chain broke on me and shredded the transmission cover and sprocket cover. oil everywhere. luckily i was able to coast to a bike shop. oil all over!!!! im lucky i didnt crack the case or have the wheel lock up. ive got the new parts coming. thanks lawnmasters!

[vale]

good news bad news. atleast u won't be doing a tear down, my bike has been on hold. to little money to many bills. but i just ordered parts so its just wateing. i would like to see some pics. email me some i'll shot over some of mine