Questionevery time i try to start my bike it sounds like the starter isnt ingaging but then it starts any idea what it is?
AnswerThis is usually caused by the starter clutch.
Have a look at this thread on the Naked Goldwings forum http://www.nakedgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14808
Basically, the starter clutch consists of 3 steel rollers in cutouts in the outside edge of a drum that sits inside the flywheel (which is also the alternator rotor). When the drum is at rest springs push the rollers inside the cutouts so that the drum is disengaged from the flywheel. When the drum is turned at a high enough speed by the starter motor, centrifugal force overcomes the springs and causes the rollers to fly outward and lodge against the inside of the flywheel, making the engine rotate so that it can start running.
Sometimes deposits of sludge from dirty oil can accumulate around the rollers and keep them from moving outward enough to engage with the flywheel. Clean but cold (& therefore thick) oil can also prevent the rollers from moving far enough.
You didn't mention what part of the world you are in so I don't know what the weather is like there. If it happens when it is warm out the problem is either sludge near the rollers (usually Seafoam or Marvel Mystery Oil will cure this) or the starter clutch springs need to be replaced (an engine out job).
If it only happens in cold weather the remedy is thinner oil or a block heater. Never use oil that is thicker than the manufacturer specifies - Honda recommends 10W40 for most conditions. I used to have a heater that was designed to mount under a cylinder bank of a VW beetle engine (the VW would normally have 2 of these heaters) mounted diagonally under the sump of my GL1000 sidecar outfit that I drove in the winter.
BTW: I highly recommend joining a good Forum that specialozes in bikes like yours. Assuming yours is a 4 cylinder GoldWing (GL1000, GL1100 or GL1200) you won't find one much better than NGW (see link above).
