Motorcycle Repair: Suzuki GSF500, starter clutch, starter solenoid

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I have a 2006 Suzuki GSF500.  It has less than 3500 miles on the bike.  I rode it about 2 wks ago and last night I tried to start it and all I got was this whining sound of the starter.  Originally I thought it was just the battery because I saw the light dim.  I then charge the battery and tried to start it again but the same thing happen.  Just a whining sound of the starter but the engine will not turn.  I tried to move the bike forward & backwards hoping it will unjammed something but the same whining noise from the starter.  I have been researching online about a possible cause and fix but again no luck.  Please help.

ANSWER: Mike, If the battery will pass a load test (most motorcycle batteries only last about 2 years), you can try to jumper the starter solenoid so that battery voltage goes straight to the starter motor. If this does not change the condition, then the starter clutch is loose or damaged, which is a pretty rare condition in a bike with such low miles on it.

http://www.bikebandit.com/suzuki-motorcycle-gs500f-2006/o/m9752

Look up the starter clutch illustration. Just a hub with three sets of springs, plungers and rollers, bolted to a hub, that engages the crankshaft. Not sure how to access it on that model, however. You might be able to get a dealer to get some kind of consideration from Suzuki, if that is the case. There isn't much you can do to cause damage to this part in 3500 miles, other than to hit the starter button while the engine is running.

Bill Silver

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bill,

I thought I knew enough to find the starter in this bike but I guess I am wrong.  I do minor maintenance in my car and I play around with my quad with no problem.  I am really embarrass to admit that I am not able to find the starter on this bike.  Maybe its hidden really good or something.  I tried to find where the whining sound is coming from to get me close to the starter but it might be in one of the close case that needs to be taken apart.  Any ideas.

Answer
Mike... go back to http://www.bikebandit.com/suzuki-motorcycle-gs500f-2006/o/m9752 and look at the illustration for crankcase and crankcase-cover.

Starter motor is underneath the metal cover at the rear of the crankcases.  Probably find the starter clutch parts under the left engine side cover.

Bill Silver