1980 KZ550 Starter turns but Engine dosent

Hey all, 

On my KZ550 The engine turns manually. I got the electrical working and hit the starter. Starter whirred but the engine didnt turn. I removed the starter and bench tested it its working. I checked the gears on the starter and the starter clutch gear and they look fine. The Starter clutch turns only counterclockwise by hand. I am stumped any suggestions?

Try taking the plugs out so there is less load on the starter clutch, if the motor spins the starter clutch is likely slipping under load

I did try that the plugs are out and still doesnt turn over. Starter just spins

Does sound like starter clutch

Hmm yea i guess so I havent done that before is it difficult?

Very!!,.......but usually sounds like bad bearing when slips, ..and degrades gradually. . 

Just a thought: Did you or the previous owner rebuild the starter motor?  It could be spinning backwards which would cause it to freewheel the starter clutch.  Just grasping at straws but I’ve heard it happening.

Later, Doug

I didnt rebuild it and it is running clockwise.