Hello everyone, I recently installed a new starter on my 1994 Yamaha Timberwolf since the old one was cranking really slow. The new one works great except I now have a strange new noise. When the bike is cold and I start it, there is a strange metallic clanging/clicking noise that is intermittent and lasts until the engine warms up. The noise is only heard at idle and once the engine warms up, it disappears. This started after the starter replacement so I am leaning towards the starter clutch or starter drive gear although I can’t see what would have changed. I've attached a video with the sound. Any ideas?

 

It may be the starter clutch sticking a bit and revolving the starter. Personally I wouldn't bother doing anything, as fitting a new clutch is not the easiest job, particularly if the flywheel is bad to remove. I guess it will wear the starter bearings and brushes, as they are only supposed to work when you are starting the bike.