No throttle response, idle (Yamaha V-Star 650)

[Laki]

I have a 2001 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic. It's pretty beat up, but until this morning has never had any issues starting. I have the choke out, but it normally still needs a little throttle to turn over in winter (Arizona). However, in revving I'm receiving no response. I looked inside, and the internal mechanism is operating, so the cable seems to be working. This is my sole mode of transit, and I live outside town, so I'm pretty stuck without it. FYI I'm decently handy, but not overly savvy when it comes to motorcycles; I'm still in the process of learning. Thanks for any insight anyone can offer!

[Wrider]

1. Does it turn over?
2. Does it start?
3. Does it sound like it normally does when you try to start it?
4. It may sound stupid, but does it have gas?

[Laki]

1. Does not turn over.
2. Does not start (but the starter does make the sound and the dash lights, so there is electrical).
3. The starter sounds normal, but there's just no throttle response to actually turn it over and start.
4. Yes, has ~90 miles left in it, unless someone siphoned it

[Wrider]

Let me make sure I understand you. Does the motor sound like it's trying to start? Or is it just the starter itself making noise?
If it's just the starter itself making sounds, then I'll bet the starter gears are stripped.
If the motor is cranking over but not starting, it sounds to me like you should replace your spark plugs because they're probably fouled due to needing choke and throttle to start it up on chilly mornings.

[Laki]

The motor does not sound like it's trying to start. Just the starter is making noise when I depress the button. Revving the throttle elicits absolutely no response while the start button is depressed. The bike is my daily ride and has had no issues whatsoever starting until this morning.

(Also: I just replaced the spark plug a few weeks ago, so it ought to be good)

[Wrider]

It sounds to me as if something isn't engaging. If the starter is spinning but not touching the motor, I'm betting it's the engagement gear that's stripped.

FWIW even if the motor isn't responding to the throttle at all, the motor itself can still be turning over, that's why I was confused by your description. The motor makes the chugging sound, but if it's just the high pitched electrical whine of the starter, it's not engaging.

[Laki]

So is there anything I can do to repair this myself? Or will I have to force one of my friends with a truck and trailer to help me get it to a shop? If so: how much would you expect it to cost?

[Wrider]

I'm not 100% sure that's what is wrong, but that's my bet from what you have said. If it's just a starter, probably an hour for labor plus the starter itself. So total around 200.
You can repair it yourself, it's actually not that hard if you're mechanically inclined. Look up the exploded parts diagram on bikebandit.com or similar and you'll be able to find an exploded view.

[Laki]

So is there any way I could go about diagnosing/testing as to what the exact issue is? Thanks!

[Wrider]

I'd pull the starter motor to be honest. When you pull it, you'll be able to see if your gears are stripped.