Starter motor screech when bike cold

[Geldof]

Interesting post this..... mine "screeches" also, I thought it was all just part of
the BMW character

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Interesting post this..... mine "screeches" also

Now you mention it - so does mine! Just does it the once when first starting - after that once it doesn't do it again. Thought it might be alternator belt but sounds more like starter from previous posts.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Alternator belt usually just "Chirps" or "squeaks" when cold as the alternator tries to recharge the battery after the capacity gets drained a bit

Starters "screech / squawk" as the one way gear winds over after the flywheel has spun them as the engine fires up and you haven't released the button

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Well in fairness, I wouldn't hold the button if it was firing properly would I?! I'll look at the starter. The whole job sounds like a real pain in the whole. The starter is fine but covered in dust. I took it off when it wouldn't start a week or two ago. It seemed to pull out and go back in again ok. Bit of resistance. Need to buy brake cleaner. I'll leave until I'm ready. Can I bump start it if the starter dies?

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Sorry everyone is suffering 'starter motor blues'. There's gotta be a song in there somewhere? http://youtu.be/o3SXKLas-ko

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Clean out the plain bush and while it's off clean the one way clutch thing behind the teeth and drip in some 3 in one oil and turn the teeth part, so that the oil can get in there, you will notice it gets impressively easier to turn with just a few drops of light oil!

Just had a go at mine - the pinion was stiff to turn, so cleaned it up with solvent and that made a good difference. Wasn't quite sure where to put the few drops of oil though? Anyway put it back, tried the starter - no squeak Thanks for all the info...