Motorcycle Repair: 1985 Virago, yamaha virago, starter shaft

Question
Hi, I have a 1985 Yamaha Virago that has a difficult time engaging the starter gear. You can hear it making a clacking noise and then after a couple of times it will finally engage. I have replaced all of the gears and the spring on the starter shaft and it still does the same thing. Any ideas? Thanks, Mike

Answer
Mike,
 There may be damage to your flywheel.  Other than that all I can think of is that the gear is somehow getting hung up on the shaft it slides out on.  Possibly the shaft is slightly bent or has some damage/gouges on it.

Sorry I can't be of more help,
Mike