Motorcycle Repair: 1980, CB650C, starter problem, starter clutch, starter problem

Question
The problem first happened when the starter would end with a loud click, but would turn the eng. Finally the starter operates fine (turns) but does not turn the eng. I removed the starter and the gear on the end of shaft is in good shape.(starter still works). The idler gear is in good shape,turns in one dir. but not the other. With starter installed the starter turns (just whers)but does not turn the eng. Can you help with an idea? The loud metalic click
is the start of the ptoblem.

Answer
Joe, it sounds like the starter clutch is slipping.  There's a one way clutch that the idler gear engages. When the starter spins it should spin the idler and then the crankshaft. There are 3 rollers in that clutch with light springs to hold them out in a ramped slot.  When those springs get weak or the little plungers get worn, the rollers aren't pushed out properly and the clutch will slip.  The grinding or clicking noise is the rollers skidding on the crank.

Regards
Rich