Total Motorcycle Community Forums

A friend of mine has a Yamaha V-Star Custom. When she starts it, it cranks once or twice as if it doesn't have enough juice. If she opens the choke, it'll start right away. I checked the battery and the generator which are both fine. The battery is holding at 13 volts, which is above the manual's requirement of 12.8 volts and the generator is putting out at 13.9 volts (the manual indicates 14 volts as good). The next step is to check the stator coil resistance then if all is good, it suggests replacing the rectifier. But I'd hate for her to have to purchase a new rectifier only to discover it's still doing it, though, we may not have a choice. Anyone ever experience this and/or have any suggestions what to check for?

Thank you

If it was mine, I'd replace the battery. It could have a shorted cell which would cause it to show good voltage but low output. Only way to know is to replace it.

It sounds like the charging system is good. If the V-Star in question is an 1100, they have a problem of twisting the starter motors. Look at the long bolts that hold the starter assy. together and make sure they are straight, not twisted. Also the starter will make an "clunking" noise when activated, like the starter clutch going out.

CORSCO wrote:It sounds like the charging system is good. If the V-Star in question is an 1100, they have a problem of twisting the starter motors. Look at the long bolts that hold the starter assy. together and make sure they are straight, not twisted. Also the starter will make an "clunking" noise when activated, like the starter clutch going out.

You mean the internal bolt going through the center holder the gears and assembly, and not the actual mounting bolts, correct?

Is the starting issue only when the engine is cold? If so, then the choke is supposed to be on for starting.

blues2cruise wrote:Is the starting issue only when the engine is cold? If so, then the choke is supposed to be on for starting.

No, does it when hot also.

Meanie wrote:

CORSCO wrote:It sounds like the charging system is good. If the V-Star in question is an 1100, they have a problem of twisting the starter motors. Look at the long bolts that hold the starter assy. together and make sure they are straight, not twisted. Also the starter will make an "clunking" noise when activated, like the starter clutch going out.

You mean the internal bolt going through the center holder the gears and assembly, and not the actual mounting bolts, correct?

I mean the two long outside bolts that hold the actual starter motor assy. together. One should be visible at the very top of the starter running lengthwise across.

CORSCO wrote: I mean the two long outside bolts that hold the actual starter motor assy. together. One should be visible at the very top of the starter running lengthwise across.

Upon viewing the bolt and starter, I noticed the top bolt appeared angled to the left, meaning, it appears the starter was trying to rotate counter clockwise. Upon inspection of the starter gears, it all appeared fine with no visible notice of damage gears/teeth. Is this an example of "twisting"? If so, is the only remedy to replace the starter or just the bolts or something different? What is the remedy to avoid this from happening again?

Thanks for the help, BTW.

i always open my choke on my 06 V star 650. unless i have just ridden, shut her off for like 15 minutes.....but asides that, its open for atleast 30-45 seconds..

Meanie wrote:

CORSCO wrote: I mean the two long outside bolts that hold the actual starter motor assy. together. One should be visible at the very top of the starter running lengthwise across.

Upon viewing the bolt and starter, I noticed the top bolt appeared angled to the left, meaning, it appears the starter was trying to rotate counter clockwise. Upon inspection of the starter gears, it all appeared fine with no visible notice of damage gears/teeth. Is this an example of "twisting"? If so, is the only remedy to replace the starter or just the bolts or something different? What is the remedy to avoid this from happening again?

Thanks for the help, BTW.

Yep, it is twisted. I always replace the starter because I am a dealership tech. There should be small lines on the starter body and both ends of the starter. You can try to replace the bolts and re-align the starter assy. by these marks. I have contacted Yamaha numerous times about this and they do not warrant it a problem. The best answer I can give you is to shell out the money and replace the starter. I have replaced close to ten starters on 1100's and have not had one come back twice because of it happening again. good luck!