starter motor on an 1984 1200A

[skidplate84]

recently when the weather gets a bit colder in the mornings my starter puts out a
WEEEEEEE THUNK! sound every time i try to start it. i get no sound and the bike starts fine when the temp is above 45 F . brushes maybe? or it just doesn't like the cold?

[goldtr6c]

Mine did that alot when I had 20-50 in the engine. Sounds like yours is just cold thick oil. It will cause the starter clutch to be slow in doing its duty. Its possible too that you're starting to get a little sludge build up in the engine. This will affect the clutch the same way. Come next oil change, dump some Marvel Mystery Oil in the crankcase and take a good ride, then do the oil change. This will usualy correct that problem.

[WingAdmin]

Sometimes synthetic (motorcycle) oil which can maintain the thinner viscosity at lower temperatures can help as well. MMO or Seafoam is a good preventative measure, however.

[skidplate84]

thanks guys for the tips, i'll try them out.
much appreciated.