V Star 1100 05' Starting problem

Hi, I have a V star 1100 2005 bike. I have had the bike for about 1 year. Ran fine until late last summer when it started having a problem starting.
As soon as the engine cranks over there seems to be a loud mechanical ping from the the starter motor (I think). It does it 1 in 15 or 20 starts. I was dealing with it until recentlty it got much worse. The final straw was when I went to start the bike and it went to turn over and just seized up. I let off the starter and tried again and it started fine.

At this time I broke out the manual and dove into the clutch side. I took out the the starter clutch which appears to be in perfect condition; no signs of any damage. I looked at the starter as well and it seem to be fine.
I have been advised by a dealer that I may have a detonation problem??

I have been at this for a while and am coming up short on ideas. Once the bike starts it runs good. Just the problem starting.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Derek  

Have you figured out the problem....I'am having the same problem with a 2002 v star 1100.email...me please loadedgun911@yahoo.com  

I know you posted awhile back.   The starter clutch will look fine from the outside but when I took mine apart it was broke in two (2) places.  So looks can be diecieving.  Most likely this is your problem.  I have the same on a 06 and from what I have seen alot of others are having the same problem, and it has always been the starter clutch.  

I bought a new v-star 1100 silverodo,had it 10 months and starter clutch went out.but was just under warrenty by 2 months so yamaha fixed it.had it another 9 months and its out again.and yamaha is telling me this one is on me.this is not right. Ive read this is a very common problem,its obviously is a design defect on yamaha.this should be recalled and fixed for free,under warranty or not! I certainly wouldnt of bought this if I had known I would have to spend 6 to 8 hundred dollars for a starter clutch every 9 to 10 months.can anyone help me on this matter?  

First thing I'd do is slap a voltmeter across the battery at startup (yeah, I know, probably not it, but, an easy rule out, and something you will need).

When you have these issues National Highway safety has a website to collect complaints. If there are enough, they will order a recall. Here's the link
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/

follow the file a complaint link, and be accurate.

The fact that you have adequate voltage helps rule out an electrical problem.