Thurston, dont feel to bad! Last weekend I had the gear reduction starter apart on a Honda ft500. I never seen a starter with so many gears and washers and bearings and spacers and springs.
I had it all back together and all the electronics checked out. From what I could see there was no reason why it shouldn't turn over. The wife came in and asked what was wrong. I told her all the electronics checked outxandxthere was cno reason why it shouldn't turn over. So what does she say?????? Momma says it must be mechanical then! And spins around and walks out!!!
The nerve o that woman!!!
Well I tore the dang thing apart and discovered extra parts in the starter! I found one spacer that the book didn't call for. Took it out, closed er up; and she rolled over and started right up. I still don't know where that extra washer came from!