Motorcycle Repair: Honda CB 700 Nighthawk Stater, starter clutch, honda cb

Question
Bill,
I have an 84 Honda Nighthawk CB700 that I just purchased.  The bike runs, but can not be started off the starter.   And it will only run as long as the Battery holds out.  After messing with it for week and putting a new bat in it, I've come to realize that the Starter will turn the Alternater, but its' not engaging the engine.  I've pulled a plug and felt for compression and there wasn't any.  I then too a lond screwdriver and dropped it down on the piston and hit the starter button adn there is no engine movement what so ever.  The starter is workijng and like I said is spinning the Alt.  Could I have a problem with the Starter clutch on the back of the Alt or could there be a problem with chain that connects the alt shaft to motor?   When the Bike is running the Alt isn't spinning so that would explain to me why the bike is only running off the Bat.   What would it take ot pull the Alt?  I've tried, but it seems stucka dn can only move it out a 1/16".   Any help or point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated
~Tom

Answer
Tom, you can go to the http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/login.asp site, sign up, log in and find your bike's illustrations, fuzzy as they are. You will probably have to obtain a rotor puller tool to get the alternator off the shaft, after you remove the retaining throughbolt. Puller is:
16MM x 1.5 THREAD, RIGHT-HAND, INTERNAL, MALE

The starter clutch is probably the prime object of malfunction here, from your testing and the symptoms. You may want to pull the starter motor and check the gear reduction unit, plus the gear on the back end, as well.

http://www.pipeline.com/~randyo/NHMain.htm looks helpful for more questions specific to this model.

A shop manual will be in order for more knowledge and guidance with this repair....

Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com