starter armature?

$40 for a used is OK, hopefully it is a good one. But from the checks you have done and the Brush comments, sounds like fixing your old one would be a good idea. For a spare if nothing else.

So it doesn't look bad from the pictures and info? My biggest setback is that I have bought, brought back to life, registered/inspected, and repaired this bike on a $45 a month budget (don't ask lol). If I bought the rebuild kit and it didn't work I'd be kept from riding until feb when I could afford a used starter. That is assuming it works more than a few days. Looks like I'm on hold till January at the moment anyways. Ugh!! Does the rebuild kit require soldering or is it the whole plate that holds the brushes?

The rebuild kit is a bolt in, no soldering. If you want to, you can down load the service manual in my signature. It will cover the starter, although it will show the 4 brush model. The basic tests are the same.
Now if you are on a $45 budget, how about just buying brushes? then you may need to solder, but that's easy. Depending on where you are, several places will sell brushes, ACE Hardware even have them here in Colorado. You could buy brushes from Napa, or several Automotive Re-builders. Probably get two brushes for <$10 and as low as $5. Easy to do.

Now there's an interesting idea! I was looking at the end of the starter and it looks like there are two more brushes that aren't attached to that metal disk if you know what im talking about. so I guess there are four after all. The rebuild kits are only about $30 tho so I may not take the chance on messing up the diy method. I just hope this starter is still good. Looking at the brushes I think it's safe to say they weren't making contact anymore tho.

So you do have the 4 brush unit? good. If just one of those brushes were worn down, then that's all it takes to be a problem. Like I said, you can use the manual in my signature for checking the starter internals. If deemed OK, then I would do the kit. Z1 enterprises is where I got mine, along with a few odds and ends. They have a good price along with the other essentials, filters, oils, etc. Get a few things and then the freight is Bupkiss.

Excellent advice, thank you again!!

PS. Your bike isnt that hard really to push start, even cold. Just need a few quick steps, drop the clutch/slam your ass on the seat simultaneously to assist momentum - and rev slightly/release clutch as soon as she catches - only tricky at first, but then u get real used to it.

Hell, I ran a trail bike like that for years.

Downhills become your best friend... :laugh:

Yes, my bike is pretty easy to roll start but Id prefer not to have to every time i ride! It is actually a little bit harder than that on mine though because it wont let you go into 2nd gear unless you are moving pretty quick. It wouldn't roll start out of 1st for me so i had to get on a hill. Its already a basket case as it is lol...I did get VERY lucky on ebay though. I found a starter that is in "Excellent working condition" from a newer bike with less miles than mine. My guess is it was wrecked but didn't affect the starter in any way. Anyhow, i had the winning bid at $15! It comes with the chrome cover too which will probably get me my money back lol. Can't wait!