Starter spins, but not engaging motor

[Exintern]

Was working perfectly until just now. 

Pressing the start button spins the starter motor. But it sounds like the gear is just missing engaging with the motor.  Is the whole starter bad or is there another fix. Thanks.

[Justin B.]

Sounds like the drive is not engaging.  Old timer car nuts would refer it to the Bendix not kicking in.  Might just be crud on the shaft the drive gear slides on or something else gummed up.  Maybe take it apart and service it.

[Tony Smith]

Most likely the Bendix, in which case a clean and feline will fix it.

The exists the loss biology of other things being faulty but you won't know until it is out and you can look
All parts available from an auto electrician an shop that services Bosch starters, so about it new bushes, brushes if needed and it will be good for another 40 years.

[Bob_Roller]

Most likely all it needs is a good cleaning and lubrication .
There's a link in the R65 Procedure and FAQ section on doing this .
It shows a Guzzi starter, the older Guzzi's use the same starter as the airhead bikes .
I've done all the starters on the R65's and Guzzi. they were all dry on lubricants .
For the most part these bikes are on average 40+ years old, they need some work you usually wouldn't do on most vehicles .