Diagnosing my starting

(bigfitz told me to make a new thread) I assumed using a sticky was a better choice then cluttering the new thread list. Forum etiquette is a bit of a mystery still. Sorry dudes. If a moderator wants to clear my post from the starting issue please advise thread they are welcome to do so.

Original Post:
I got my starting motor rebuilt recently. She spins like a champ, but it doesn't sound like the flywheel is engaging. I can push start the bike with a little help and it will run, but my starting system is not turning over the engine just making a spin noise at the starting motor.
Other notes:
-bike was ridden every day for two months up until two weeks ago.
-my current oil has 1100 miles but it got very cloudy apparently while she sat, and will be changed when she's running again.
-my voltage on the bike while it's running is 14.45v which sounds like it's healthy.
-voltage with bike off is 12.5 and I tested to cold crank 4 days ago to verify it's also good to go.
Is this indicative of a starter clutch problem? does the flywheel move to engage? When I replace the starting motor it almost feels like you have to get the teeth with it and the flywheel to line up proper before it will sit in there correctly, that can't be true though if my starting motor is free spinning right?
anyway, that's my progress to bringing her back to life. I miss riding.

Bigfitz explained there is no such movement from the starting motor and that my starter clutch is likely the issue.

So it sounds like I have a starter clutch issue, that's all I really wanted to know, I had no direction to pursue. My oil is Castrol Actevo x-tra 4t part synthetic motorcycle oil sae 10w-40. I was told it would be okay at a local bike shop. I'm totally cool with switching to something else if it makes my bike happier.

 

Cool. That particular oil should be fine, I'm using the exact same stuff only in 20W40 in my 550 with no issues.

The starter clutch could be gummed up, or failing/failed. (Let's hope it's the first one.) Do a forum search on "starter clutch."

One last item: It's possible to get the starter back together so that it spins really well, THE WRONG WAY. If that's the case, it will not engage the starter clutch, but it will spin quite nicely. You wouldn't be the first guy it's happened to.

 

Hey bigfitz, thanks for the suggestion, the polarity was reversed and I'm taking that starter back tomorrow hoping they'll just accept the mistake and help me out.
Also have you or could you post a photo of your 74' Norton? My dad would love to see it. He and I both are pretty big Norton lovers.

 

So the starter WAS spinning "backwards?" Getting the brush plate re-installed wrong is a common mistake, don't be too hard on the guys who did it.

As requested; my all-original and still fully operational 1974 Norton Commando 850 MKII Roadster, all 45K miles on it are mine:

 

What an awesome looking bike! Thanks Fitz for posting the pics. They are truely beautiful.