Starter problem
I have a 1978 GL 1000, purchased a year ago. I have recently started having about the same problem, and have yet to totally figure out the answer. Mine seemed to only have the whining noise trying to start in the early cold mornings. It would take a couple times, but would finally start. I purchased another used starter, which seemed to work for about two weeks, but three days ago it started just turning the starter over like a bendix was not working properly. I replace with my old starter and it started for a full day with no problem. I drove it to work, and after 12 hour shift, it took almost 45 minutes for the starter to finally kick in. I got home and took my battery in and put a full charge in it over night, and now it has worked everytime for two days. It has me completely confused as what could be the problem and how to fix it. I also recently put in a new stereo, and had the memory wired connected to the battery. Maybe that was draining to much from the battery.I will try to keep this post informed as to my future with this ongoing problem.