GS1100G starter clutch issues.

[JTGS850GL]

Due to an increase in noise coming from the stator side of the motor I decided to finally pull the starter clutch and see what's going on. First thing I noticed while everything was still assembled was an unusual amount of play on the starter gear. Once I pulled the flywheel I found that all three of the screws were a little loose. Upon inspection I found these areas of concern:

Looks like the driven gear surface that the rollers grab has some scoring:




There are wear marks on the clutch housing both at the roller area and the surface that the spacer sits on:



and wear dimples on the metal spacer plate it self:


The mounting screws show signs of wear from being loose as well:


When I rotate the clutch in the free direction it makes a grinding/rattling noise. Pretty sure that this is the cause of the strange noises I've been hearing when decelerating. It would also explain the bad sounds I hear occasionally when I start the engine.

My guess is that the clutch is toast and needs to be replaced as an assembly. Right now it's still available, but at a terrible cost of approximately $192. Is a used clutch even an option? Would any of the "trusted members" here have one they might want to part with?

Keep in mind that this MUST come from an 8V 1982-1983 GS1100G/GL. Can not come from a GS1000 or a GS1100 16V if the part number have any meaning.

[JTGS850GL]

Here's a quick video to show the bad starter clutch:

http://tinypic.com/r/ej7m9y/8

So far the cheapest price I've found is $181.83 delivered from G&S Suzuki. Anyone know of a better place?

[JTGS850GL]

Update: Just ended up buying the starter clutch set from G&S Suzuki. Ouch, but the best price I could find. I guess I should consider myself lucky that the part was still available. Should be good for another 20-30 thousand miles.

[RedBaron]

Can't beat new parts! Mine is pretty beat up, but seems quiet since I replaced the rollers. I broke bolts once or twice and had them back loose once or twice in the past but have held up good lately using the superceded bolt number and loctite (and more throttle on downshifts than in the past). I've finally managed to keep the flywheel on lately too which has been nice! Hopefully your parts will be in soon!

[Carter Turk]

Saw one at Partzilla for $ 167, but not sure it includes shipping. Moot now since you already have one. Not sure if the dual roller bearing starter gear is the same on various models, I have one, that's new, but been sitting. The shop wouldn't let me return because I used the starter clutch, but the gear was a small taper, and i needed a big one.

Seems like the year for SC issues, lot of threads about it.

[JTGS850GL]

The one I picked up from G&S was $161.83 before shipping. Shipping cost was $20. Really pretty much the same. The 1983 GS1100G starter was only shared between the 1982 and 1983 GS1100G and GL.

[JTGS850GL]

Starter clutch is now replaced with the new one. MUCH quieter then before. While I was in there I also rebuilt the cam chain tensioner (leaking) and replaced the gaskets on the oil pressure switch (also leaking) and the tachometer drive ( leaking REALLY BAD). New stator cover gasket was installed as well. Although it wasn't leaking it did tare on disassembly. Anticipated that so I ordered a replacement gasket along with everything else.

Road the bike to work today and everything is smooth, quiet and NO OIL LEAKS!!

[850 Combat]

I bought the idler gear and bearings too when I did mine.