I went riding yesterday and my starter started making noise, almost a grinding noise, then it would kick back, then another time the gear would just spin but wouldnt engage the flywheel, any known problems with them that I could fix myself, rather than deal with the dealership that I didnt buy it from? thanks

 

that would be your starter one way bearing. It seems to be the most common raptor problem, the part is about 150 bucks.

 

thanks for the info

 

I am really surprised that an 03 would have this problem.

Surly Yamaha has addressed this with an update to the starter one way bearing.

Chet

 

but apparently they haven't

 

I can't find tj'spartsexpress.com and partsexpress seems to be an audio company, is that the correct address?