Starter clutch...missing starter question...

[mikeames]

I'm about to go check out an '85 FJ1100 w/ 47K miles. The guy that is selling it doesn't know much about bikes, but he says the starter is missing. I asked if he meant the starter doesn't work or if it's actually gone. He says he thinks it's actually gone (not 100% sure). His buddy (the previous owner) removed it and hadn't had time or money to finish the job.
My question is two-fold. First, isn't there a starter clutch and chain and such in there that would be falling loose if you actually removed the starter?? He says you can bump start the bike and ride it around just fine. Second, assuming the problem is with the starter clutch and not the motor itself, do you really have to split the case to replace the starter clutch or can it be done without splitting the case?
I'm probably going to have to split the case to fix the typical second gear issue anyway, but I'd like to be able to ride it around for a little while and feel the bike out before doing all the rebuild work. That's tougher without a starter....on stall at a light and you have problems.

[Travis398]

 You can remove and reinstall the starter without any problems, although I have never ran my bike with out the starter I would guess it would leak oil if it wasn't in.
and yes that chain goes around the crank shaft so not only do you have to split the cases but you will also have to lift the crank some and disconnect the connecting rod (or rods) to get the chain on.

Please someone correct me if I am misleading him   

[mikeames]

  POOP! That sucks, I hope that's not the problem. I'll have to look closely when I get up there to look at it.

[fj1250]

If you can bump start the bike and ride it with out a whole bunch of oil pouring out
the top of the back of the motor, then the starter motor is in place.
Good news, It's extremely rare for the starter clutchs to go bad.
Very likely a starter switch or relay problem.

[Harvy]

Yes, it takes a bit of jiggling, but the starter motor can be removed and re-fitted without having to remove anything else.
If you are going to split the cases to work on the starter clutch, Randy has the newer XJR units available which are better than the OEM parts.....maybe give him a shout. Too heavy weight engine oil can prevent the starter clutch from working correctly.

The clutch/chain assembly is separate to the starter motor.

Harvy

[mikeames]

Great info, thanks guys!