TOPIC:

So I just got a 1979 KZ1300 last week. It's in great shape and has been sitting for a few years, 2012 plates and 2009 inspection sticker. P.O. cleaned carbs and in trying to start it the starter and starter reduction gear chipped a tooth. He claims the starter clutch is bad. The starter is out and a new one and reduction gear is on the way in to me. When you try to rotate the gear on the clutch it will not rotate free either way. My question is it suppose to rotate free one direction and catch when the starter reduction gear engages it? If I remove the clutch assembly is there anything that can be done with it or just replace? I don't want to hook my new parts up and try and repeat the same thing he did.
I'm also a member on the KZ Rider forum so maybe some carry over members from there too.
Thanks

First off, welcome to the party! I don't know a whole lot about these bikes, but I did tear a couple motors down, so I may be able to get you started.

Yes, that side of the crankshaft should operate like you say- the starter will engage the crankshaft when you start the motor, but when the motor catches up, fires, and starts rotating faster than the starter motor, it's supposed to "slip" so the starter doesn't continue to spin. Basically yes, it should engage one way, but not the other.

That being said, I forget exactly what part of the starter clutch (not to be confused with the transmission clutch- WHOLE different animal) rotates, and what doesn't. I think the large gear on the end of the crankshaft is the only part of the clutch that exhibits this behavior.

My recommendation? Grab a service manual. They're relatively cheap and common ($40 average? I could be making stuff up, though), and are VERY detailed. If you have to pull the whole assembly and fix/replace it, the manual will talk you right through it. Easily done by simply pulling the side cover. I forget if you need a special tool to actually pull the clutch, but I can't imagine it's overly difficult.

There are links on the main page with full manual downloads if you don't want to pay for a hard copy (although I prefer the actual book). At least it's something to look at, see how difficult a job replacing the clutch actually is.

Best of luck! She's a good looking bike.

welcome aboard and hope you enjoy, good bunch of blokes on here that are always willing to help

Thanks for the recommendation. Yes I have a book but not a lot of detail on the operation of the Starter clutch just disassemble and reassemble. But you answered my main question though. I have some inline four motor experience( KZ650 top end rebuild) but mainly an old motocrosser from the 70's. This has two more stokes and 5 more cyl. to figure out.
I think I will put a new topic in the WTB section or head to Ebay I suppose. Not sure if these can be rebuilt or just pitch and replace?

Let me see. I have a crankshaft I'm not using, with a starter clutch that works. If it's not too hard to get off, it would be available. Still might be worth pulling yours apart, see if you can learn something. You wouldn't be out anything, at least.

wow thanks so much.
I'm in the wonderful State of Vermont. I can PM later to see what I can do to cover price and shipping.