"this starters are notorious for crapping out"
Where did you here that?
Kawasaki did not build items that broke easily, they were primarily a ship building company.
But like any company they did not intend there products to live for 30-40 years either.
I have a '82 starter in my bike and its never been apart.
I don’t recall how I came with that but thru reading stuff…. also it’s pretty much the only one that can’t be found even refurbished vs other models or engine sizes which makes things harder. Either way I agree it’s an old bike and everything wears out. I’m not mad either way but grateful to have found such bike.