Lifan 163fml

[Blackcosmos]

Hi I have a Lifan 163fml 200cc engine and when I try to use the starter motor
to start engine it is spinning but not cranking engine
The bike hasn’t been done for awhile and has always been difficult to start
Via kick starter
I’ve removed crankcase cover which houses magneto into which starter motor goes And can see that the gears to start a motor all look okay any ideas what it could be or what are missing? Thanks

[Mudflap]

Assuming a good battery, the most likely cause is the starter clutch. It's attached to the backside of the flywheel and consists of several spring loaded rollers inside a housing. They can often be fixed with a good cleaning but new ones aren't expensive. You do have to pull the flywheel to get to it.

[franque]

Does it turn over easily when the spark plug is removed? Hesitance towards turning over even with the kicker might possibly indicate some sort of damage in the top end.