Topic: CB650 won't turn over with starter

[JREcb650]

My 1981 CB650 is being stubborn, will not crank. First i thought i had a starter issue, so i pulled the clutch cover off to find that the starter is spinning the gear that it is supposed to. (Not a motorcycle mechanic don't know the proper lingo) then my mind went to a clutch issue so i adjusted the proper tension and still have the issue. Im still not completely convinced that the starter is not the issue. Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated.

[PlungerWaffle]

Could be a dead battery. Can you push start or jump start it?

[DaveBarbier]

So pressing the button spins the starter but not the crank? Could be primary clutch assembly not locking. Pull the starter and look inside the hole and you'll see a gear. Reach your finger in the hole and see if that gear spins both ways. Should only spin one way. Then again, your finger doesn't work with the torque as the starter so maybe that's not a real test. I'd try it anyway.

This is assuming your starter is actually working as it seems it is based on your post.

[DaveBarbier]

Also, you pulled the clutch cover? The cover on the right? You can't see the starter and the primary gear from that side. Curious what you're talking about and how you confirmed the starter was spinning that gear.

[evinrude7]

not to sound like a simpleton but did you check for spark? 

[DaveBarbier]

I think you need to explain exactly what's happening and what's not happening. Is the motor just not firing? Is the starter spinning at all? Is the starter spinning but the motor isn't spinning?

[JREcb650]

The backstory is I took it for a ride, came home then went to put it in first gear and the bike just stalled off like the clutch was released. Then when I tried to start the bike the starter just spun and the engine did not turn. I'll get a video of what's happening later. Was also unable to pop start it.

[sinister902]

it sounds like two separate issues. the cb650 has a common fault of the starter clutch (not the starter itself, nor the clutch itself....the piece that makes the starter engage the crank)....it's about $45 in parts but a few hours of swearing to repair it. there's writeups on hondacb650.com

it can be done with motor in the bike with the oil pan removed.

the other issue sounds like a clutch adjustment issue that caused the original stall....

[DaveBarbier]

Hmm, yeah could be two separate issues. Hard to say. I'd definitely take a look at that gear I mentioned through the hole where the starter goes. Also, if you need to remove the clutch cover you can lean the bike over on a crate or something and you won't spill oil. If your gasket doesn't tear you can reuse it.

[evinrude7]

The backstory is I took it for a ride, came home then went to put it in first gear and the bike just stalled off like the clutch was released. Then when I tried to start the bike the starter just spun and the engine did not turn. I'll get a video of what's happening later. Was also unable to pop start it.

so the bike surged forward as if you popped the clutch when it last stalled and now the starter sounds like it's spinning but the motor won't turn?