starter chain problem

[Pete in PA]

That blue 82 650 is a different engine design. Props to him for finding a way to get the starter clutch out a different way. Too bad he still failed.

It's a shame that such a simple part is so buried in the engine.

If you take on this, You might as well  give it a hone, new rings, lap the valves,new cam and starter chains along with the tensioners, etc.

[mollusc]

Glad that you identified the problem at least.  Since the chain isn't broken, it should still be safe to ride the bike if you bump start it (unless the issue with the starter clutch might cause it to suddenly lock up or something).
Clutch issues are pretty rare on the 700S.  Yours is only the second confirmed case that I have heard of.
As noted above, fixing it is a great opportunity to do a light cylinder hone, replace rings, check main bearing shells for wear, replace valve stem seals, upgrade the starter chain itself, and lap the valves.  I did all of those when I had mine apart.

[Gene]

Hand, I agree. If your battery is weak, (I know that if the battery is dead, there won't be enough amperage to operate the ign) and yes, you possibly can bump-start, however unless your bumping downhill, or have a helper, that gets real old real quick

I think everyone understands that a kickstarter won't get you moving if the starter chain is broken. I wish my Nighthawk had one simply because its a mechanical back up to the electric starter system. Particularly useful if bump starting isn't a practical option for what ever reason.