Motorcycle Repair: 1970 CB350K, honda cm200, kawasaki kz1000

Question
Hi Bill - when I pressed the starter on my bike today there was a bit of an electrical "whining" sound and then the bike fired up. I turned the bike off and when I tried to start it again I pushed the starter button and  all I got was the "whining" sound and the bike would not fire up. What's going on?
Thanks, Mike

Answer
Mike, the three little springs in the starter clutch have collapsed and the rollers are no longer able to stay in contact with the starter clutch hub when the starter motor spins it over.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350-super-sport-350-k2-general-export_model16560/pa...

Not brain surgery to replace the parts, but you do need the special rotor removal tool to get the rotor off the end of the crankshaft safely. DO NOT use a 3 or 4 jaw puller instead of the rotor tool.

Flywheel Puller 16mm x 1.5mm RH Internal
MP08-0027
description:   Motion-Pro product or equivalent
Flywheel Puller 16mm x 1.5mm RH Internal - Fits Honda CM200 CMX250 CMX450 CB350 CB400 CB450 CB500 CL350 CL400 CL450 CL500 SL350 SL400 SL450 SL500 - Fits Kawasaki KZ1000 (77) Z1 KZ900 KH400 - Fits Suzuki GS550 GS650 GS750 GS1000 (early and other 4 cylinder models) - Fits Yamaha FJ1100 FJ1200 XJ550 XJ650 XJ750 XJ900 XS1100

Once the rotor is off, turn it over and remove all the parts... 3 springs, three spring caps and three rollers. Inspect all parts, and be sure that the starter clutch outer base is firmly secured to the back of the rotor. Sometimes, the screws back out and things get messy inside. If loose, remove the screws and replace damaged ones, installing them with some Lock-tite and then stake the edges of the screws in place.

It is easier to use a small 90 degree hooked scribe tip tool to insert the springs and install the caps of the top of the spring, then you have to push the cap/spring combo down inside the little recess holes and slide the roller into place.

When installing the rotor back onto the crankshaft, get the keyway aligned near the key and then turn/push the rotor onto the end of the crankshaft, ensuring that the key isn't dislodged in the process and that the rollers retract momentarily allowing the rotor to drop into place.

Tighten the center bolt nice and firm and you are ready to ride!

Bill Silver