03 WR450 Starter Problem?????

[John450ky]

Needing some advice please... I was riding yesterday @MPOR and at least 6 times, while in first gear going through the woods, my bike just shutdown and it sounded like the starter was spinning. It would start up with no problem, then do it again a little later...

Is this a pre-warning that I need to perform the upgrade or something else?? If i didnt supply anyone with enough information, just ask. Thanks and I appreciate your help!!

John M.

[Indy_WR450]

It might be the starter clutch. If it is seized your motor will drive the starter.

Starter clutchs on 03's have failed due to the 03 design the 04 upgrade will be easier on your starter clutch but now you need to replace it as well as the upgrade.

[motionmama]

Can you give me more info on this problem. I have an 03 bike that has very low hours on I took it apart for some mods skid plate dp kit and now it won't start? thanks

[John450ky]

INDY,

thanks for the information. Would there be any other signs that it is the starter clutch? I wish i could explain better what it was doing.

On another note, when i started riding again I rode with a guy from Indy named Scott Jones -- great guy helped me get my bike to run when i first got it. IF you know him, tell him hi.

Thanks again

[John450ky]

PM Indy, hopefully he can help you. Sorry.

[RichieGoatGruff]

Can you give me more info on this problem. I have an 03 bike that has very low hours on I took it apart for some mods skid plate dp kit and now it won't start? thanks

How far did you take it apart? Is dp kit a Dual Sport kit? If it is and it's a Baja Designs kit....that's the problem...

Where you at in AZ? I'm in Tucson...

[mtrablue]

if the starter clutch is bad, there's a good chance it'll make a lot of noise when you try to restart with the e button. the little "rockers" in the sprag type clutch are slipping. it'll sound like you've got a bad gear when you don't. if the clutch is grabbing when the motor is running it will spin the starter motor. try to repeat your riding style, but before you go remove the idler gear. if the starter clutch grabs, it'll only spin the starter clutch drive gear and shouldn't put any load on you engine or turn your starter motor.

a side note. when i questioned my parts guy about the starter clutch failure, i was told it was common on one of the yamaha atv's. banshee, blaster, there all the same to me. anyways, i was warned to take a good look at the starter clutch drive gear. if it's chewed up , it needs to be replaced also.

[Indy_WR450]

INDY,

thanks for the information. Would there be any other signs that it is the starter clutch? I wish i could explain better what it was doing.

On another note, when i started riding again I rode with a guy from Indy named Scott Jones -- great guy helped me get my bike to run when i first got it. IF you know him, tell him hi.

Thanks again

Scott and I are buds. He moved to Madison Wisconsin and is training for pro water skiing this summer. The only way to get your starter motor to drive when the engine is running is if the starter clutch will not slip in the forward direction. Fix this problem immediately. It can be expensive if more damage occurs.

[motionmama]

Hey friend we're 7 hrs apart. I'm in the 4 corners area. I didn't buy the Baja designs. I bought another company dual purpose kit and they sent me the wrong rear master cylinder brake switch so I may have a problem. They resent the right one....can't think of the name but I suspected the same thing with the mess of wiring. I am not electrical at all. I teach school and have a student who is very good with dirt bikes and wants to go to school to be a mechanic. I'm going to let him take a look at it. A very good mechanic hooked everything up and the lights all came on but the bike wouldn't start. I moved the bike and something must have come loose since now the lights won't come on. I wanted the DP since I want to ride the divide before I die. DP choices are not much. I wanted a light bike I could pick up, reliable, fast, and able to go off road. Seat ht has been a real problem. I had the rear shock lowered, changed handlebars and raised the forks about 1-2 inches. I cut the seat down and I think that's as good as it is going to get.

[John450ky]

Thanks for all your help. I will get started on it.