Motorcycle Repair: starter freespins, clutch design, starter clutch

Question
i had a problem with my starter and it just free spins i thought it was like a starter on a car i thought it was the bendix was stuck but once i got it out i notesed that the gear that the starter locks onto spins free to what do i do to fix it

Answer
Scotty, it would have been immensely helpful if you had mentioned the year, make and model of your motorcycle......

Most motorcycles have a one-way clutch design with rollers, springs and spring caps that only allow the starter motor to pull the crankshaft over in one direction, then the rollers fly out of position due to centrifugal force.

Go to sites like www.bikebandit.com or cmsnl.com and check the illustrations for your particular model. Generally the springs have collapsed and are not keeping the rollers in contact with the starter clutch hub.

Given the limited info, that is all I can say at this time.

Bill Silver