Motorcycle Repair: Starter on 1983 Yamaha Maxim 750, starter motor, oil leak

Question
Hello there, I have a chance to aquire 1983 Yamaha Maxim 750, however I am told that starter is bad on this motorcycle. I had called "bikeshop" and they said that it would cost me around $800 for the starter replacemnt plus fixing minor oil leak. I was informed that started for this particular model is inside the engine, and they will have to take apart WHOLE engine. My question is: is there easier way to replace a starter on that bike or do you really have to remove the engine to do so?

Thank you for any help,

Greg Gromek  

Answer
Hi Greg,

It's not necessary to disassemble the whole engine to access the starter motor.

The following web sites may help you investigate the porblem:

www.bikebandit.com (click "OEM Parts")

www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/7795/

Respectfully,
Mark Shively