another question on a friends 400ex about the starter

[Silver400EXinBR]

he has a 400ex and his starter was starting to just spin and not start the bike.. gradually ust going out then finally just went ot all together... we took the starter cover and the middle gear cover off and they both spinning.... So. what could it be? I mean we didnt want to take the cover off and not know how to fix it but what is it more than likely to fix? and about how much is it. if its a common problem.. thanks randy

[mojoe2878]

it may be the starter clutch. take the side cover off and see if you can turn the starter clutch, its bolted to the fly wheel. it should move freely in one direction but it should lock up when you turn it the other way. if turn freely both ways then its bad and isnt ingaging when the starter turns and wont turn the motor over.