regarding starter noise

[north east scotland]

i have had this xr650l on a 52 plate for a few months--since ive had it the starter is quite noisy--any ideas--like a grinding noise --any ideas thanks

[rsstom]

There's a one-way clutch behind the stator rotor. This is probably where your noise is coming from. The design is called a Sprag clutch in USA, and very common in the motorcycle industry.
The parts get worn and tend to slip a little, causing a grinding/clunking noise. As they wear more, the starter clutch will spin free, then catch and turn the motor. In the end, the starter clutch will just spin and not engage the motor at all.
Parts are probably still available from Honda.