[beo111]

Well I put the new starter in last Saturday and it fired up like a champ. I love it when a plan comes together! Yes, I saw in the youtube video that the seal on the starter wears down and over time oil gets into it. This must have been happening for a while because sometimes it would take a few cranks to get it started, then it stopped cranking totally. When I fired up the bike with the new starter in it, I couldn't believe it. It started so fast, something I've never seen before. Unfortunately there's snow outside so I can't ride it now, but as soon as I have the opportunity I'll have it on the road. Thanks for all the help guys!