Starter noise.

[gfritzmeier]

I've got a new recent noise when starting bike. I've got 2003 California and it's always started good. It still starts but recently it's making this tinny grinding noise when starting.  The noise is the symptom and wondering if any of you know what the problem might be?
Thanks,
Fritz

[pete roper]

Valeo? Might be shedding its magnets into the armature. It's about the right period for that.

[Wayne Orwig]

There is also a metal disk in there, I assume to help keep clutch dust out of the armature. I have seen that disk come loose and rattle around a bit when you crank the motor.

Either way, the starter needs pulled apart and disassembled. You can get rebuild parts for it.

[pete roper]

For the Valeos? That's good news, I didn't know that.

[Rick in WNY]

Mine did that last summer. The little disc came loose and it wound up arcing across the rotor.

I just bought a new Valeo from Harpers. Not cheap, but starters never are. The good news is, they are easy to replace.

Good luck!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Mine did that last summer. The little disc came loose and it wound up arcing across the rotor.

I just bought a new Valeo from Harpers. Not cheap, but starters never are. The good news is, they are easy to replace.

Good luck!

If you don't have to have a genuine Valeo, new knock-offs can be had for as little as $70. 

[Wayne Orwig]

For the Valeos? That's good news, I didn't know that.

https://www.euromotoelectrics.com/category-s/1670.htm

[wirespokes]

What everyone else said.

I've heard of that disc coming loose and shorting the armature so have safety wired mine in place.

When the planetary reduction gears run dry, they can make an awful racket, especially on the overrun.

[Vagrant]

Get it apart. Mine had a bake a lite type arm that throws the gear into the flywheel. It wore out.