Just so i am forearmed, before getting oily:

On pushing the button : a nice electrical whizzing noise, but no mechanical thrashing occurs.

I assume some aspect of the starter clutch mechanism will be the culprit and that this will be a standard sportster part.

Is there anything i should be wary of in this area ?

... and best wishes for a happy new year to one and all.

Sounds like you are spot on with the problem, it's a pain in the arse to remove and fit, you have to get at the two bolts next to the clutch, so primary cover will have to come off.

I had the same problem a while back, I ordered from.... 'Universal rotating electrics', well worth talking to if you don't have a spare. Cheaper than HD. Tech guy there knows his onions and is as friendly as yer best mates sister I don't know about post etc. but well worth a punt,

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cheers ritchie:

a quick look on the web shows the starter clutches as easy to get, and available in more than one flavour, which i assumed meant that they fail regularly.

from the US: around 45$ - 65$ plus postage & tax

i even found one on Amazon, which is a first; i know they are expanding their empire, but i didnt expect to start buying my bike spares from them as well. They do have the advantage of simplicity of payment, and sensible postage prices.