Rubbing/Squeaking Sound After Starting

When I start my bike, just as the engine is firing and I release the starter button I hear a brief rubbing/squeaking kind of sound which I assume has something to do with the starter clutch not behaving. Is that about right? If so, what do I have to do to fix it? If not, what the heck is it?

Thanks,

Barry

For years I had a squeal as the engine fired and as I let off the start button and for years I thought it was starter clutch related. Didn`t happen all the time but happened more and more frequently as the bike aged.

So. Before tackling the starter clutch I decided to check out the starter motor. I took it out, opened it up. cleaned out carbon dust. cleaned the commutator ring with Deoxit D5, greased the planetary gears. (the manual explains what to do with all the starter motor innards). Brushes were in speck. Put it all back together and have not heard the squeal since and that was over a year ago.

Not saying that this is your problem but it might be worth checking out before you think about digging deeper.

My 80 750 and your 81 650 have very similar starter motor and starter clutch

I agree problems with the starter clutch makes more of a grinding rattling sound and slips while trying to start.....I'd consider leaving it alone unless it gets worse or try JR's fix.

Thanks, guys. It's only happening occasionally right now so I'll leave it alone and just keep an ear on it.

Barry