Does anyone know what the skinny on the starters for the kz400/440s are? I spoke with the guy who runs the Baltimore Cycle salvage (who is really nice, knowledgeable guy), and he mentioned that the starters have a tendency to burn out the insulation between the windings, making them useless.
At the time, I was having difficulty starting the bike, and when I opened the starter I found lots of black gunk around the brushes and commutator. It seemed to be an excessive amount - more than just normal brush-wear. According to the Cycle Salvage dude, this was likely melted insulation.
After a thorough cleaning, the starter worked properly again, but I'm having the same issues yet again. I assume it's the starter, as the other electrical components of the motorcycle test OK. The starter, however, appears relatively clean. Confusing as hell.
Anyone else experience similar problems with their starters? I would hate to lose this war to a poorly manufactured starter.