1983 honda nighthawk cb550 starter turns but engine does not, any ideas of what this might be?

1983 honda nighthawk cb550 starter turns but engine does not, any ideas of what this might be?

It's not the battery. I had a cb550sc (loved it) and that was not a low battery symptom. McGuyver may be right. The starter is easy to replace if you can get one, but the clutch and drive I tbink is a big job.

First charge up the battery and have it 'load-tested' at a Shop, a weak battery will not fully engage the starter motor. Try that first and if a no-go repost your question.

If the battery is good, then you have either a sticking starter clutch, or a broken starter chain. The chain drives the generator via a one way clutch. Push start the bike, then check to see if its charging, either with a volt meter, or watch the headlight as you rev the engine. If it's not charging, the chain is broken.