The starter  motor in my ride has given up. It spins over but does not engage. I have pulled it out (not an easy job) so should I buy a new one or try and fix it? Ebay has them for under $300 but probably made in China. I would hate to imagine what the stealer wants.

Any help appreciated.

Gday GTEEZ, mate i had the same problem a couple of weeks ago and i replaced the starter clutch/bearing on it ( ebay ) and everything is AOK again..Grab the ALL BALLS racing brand one for around 80 to 90 bucks ( depending what bike you have as ive got a streetglide ) and its an easy fix....

Cheers for the reply. I have it on the bench and can jump it to spin over and for the clutch to throw out but it would not do it in the bike. Might be a dodgy connection?? Its in an 04 Softail.

it's probabley going into mesh but the clutch in the starter drive is slipping, The starter gear should slip one way and lock up solid the other

Any checks I can do? I'm in no rush to get it going. Just did 4000kms but had to push start it for 2k.

I think your spot on. If I engage the gear, it spins both ways by hand. Clutch is gone.

Rebuild or buy a new 1.4kw for $230 delivered from Easy Rider Aus?

I think you have your terminology wrong...The starter will spin both ways.  I suspect the buggered bit is the one circled in red rather than the main starter motor itself.

So to try and explain without being an expert (no offense) If I put a charge on the bit that throws out and engages in the primary drive area ?? . It pops out and spins but does nothing.I can turn it both ways . I am thinking this is where the clutch mechanism comes in? I can get it to spin but no resistance to crank over.

Why do they seem to just go without warning? I've read about kickback from the standard compensator as a maybe. I have a 97" kit fitted with higher comp for the last 20K kms. Have thought about decomps but it has been fine up until now. A little harder on hot days but nothing nasty.

Rebuild stock, is always best!!!!