GSX1100 Roller bearing - Starter

[Gammaboy]

So, loud whirring sound (quiet at idle), pulled alternator cover - poked around, starter gear can move back and foward (across the bike), wiggle, and is noisy when I spin it by hand - seems to me it's eaten the roller bearing the starter gear runs on - haven't pulled the flywheel off yet, waiting on a puller, hopefully I haven't trashed the end of the crank...
Anyway - what would have caused this? Common problem?

Ben

[Gammaboy]

Turns out it wasn't the starter bearing... Any ideas?

[Guest]

Whirring is exactly how I would describe a twisted crank. Is yours an 82. Did it start after a spirited acceleration?

Hope I'm wrong.

[Gammaboy]

It progressively got worse towards the end of the ride - don't recall giving it a squirt and it suddenly making noise.
Either way, time to pull and strip the motor.

[tom203]

Make sure camchain tensioner hasn't loosened up (or froze) and letting chain rub something.

[Gammaboy]

Yeah, so I stripped the engine, badly trashed bearing in the crank...