Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:01:Just out of curiosity, what year is the bike? I was wondering if this might be a result of the reported backlash issue.
The backlash issue, that's right!
The starter gears and their bearing supports are weak designed. Have been beefed up in 1991. Furthermore the design was revised again in 1996 with the incorporation of a limiter in the second gear.
To avoid future damage on pre-1991 Savages you can install an electronic devise that opens the exhaust valve when the engine is switched off.
Will post the scematic later to-day.
Greetz
Kropatchek