Motorcycle Repair: starter motor clutch, kawasaki voyager, weekend mechanic

Question
Hi Mark,
I have a 1986 Kawasaki Voyager 1200 with 38,000
miles. The starter motor clutch has failed. I have
a service manual and am contemplating doing the repair myself. Is this something an average weekend mechanic should tackle? I have all winter. Could there be other problems that caused the failure. I've had the bike since '92 and quite often the engine would turn over with a little hesitation at first. I had checked the starter motor to find out everything looked ok. The only repair I have made since getting the bike was to replace the alternator.
Thanks, Joe
jhchubb@juno.com

Answer
Hi Joe,

Depending upon your level of knowledge, your ability to comprehend what you read, and available tools, you may be able to remove the engine and split the cases at home.

I have confidence in you. You are one very few persons who actually read all intructions before posting a question on AllExperts! And you inquire before attempting work. Those are very good qualities.

If you decide to do the work, use the following websites as resources:

www.bikebandit.com
www.buykawasaki.com
www.electrexusa.com
www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/index.php

Buy Kawasaki's Service Manual (we get what we pay for). At least buy Clymer brand, avoid other brands.

Order parts and buy supplies in advance or beginning work. Read the service manual in advance and during work. While apart, perform carb cleaning and other maintainance procedures.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively