We can finally see the offending starter gear, the sprag clutch lives on the alternator's shaft, but with the starter out I can now feel that the starter drive gear turns freely in both directions. Tomorrow the gearbox and rear engine cover will come off and then I should have the offending part in hand.

Finally bought a proper jack so that things are a little less skeychy when I need to work. Universals on the drive shaft is notchy and leeking. First of many things needing attention. The starter clutch is the next, once I remove the swingarm and gearbox. The frame has about 300k kms on it. No way to know for sure. 2nd engine, so no idea as to how many ks that has.

The cellphone camera did a great job in the dawn light. Taken at Rhodes memorial, Cape Town