zx-11D Starter binding

[sljaques]

I have a 1996 ZX11 and have an intermittent issue with the starter motor binding. If used on a regular basis, there's no problem. However, after sitting for a week, the starter binds. I can "bump it" in gear to get it to release.

I'm thinking of replacing the starter motor. But is it possibly the starter motor idler gear? Replace both? I'm not sure how difficult the idler gear would be to replace - I'm not a terribly talented mechanic.

As further background, the bike only has about 17,000 miles on it and appears to have been very well maintained.

Thanks!

[sljaques]

Hey folks - I think I've answered the question myself. Seems to me the culprit could be a battery that's just weakened enough by days of sitting that it doesn't fully engage the starter. The test will be - next time the bike has sat for a while, I'll either pre-charge the battery or start it with a set of jumper cables. That should be a good indicator.

Cheers!