My 2005 KTM 525EXC starter (Mitsuba SM-14) crapped out and, being the cheap bastid I am, I took it apart to try and repair it. What I found, besides a lot of gunk, was that the brushes were worn. I cleaned it up with contact cleaner, GENTLY cleaned the commutator with some 400 grit emery cloth then cleaned the spaces with toothpicks and more contact cleaner. Even though the brushes were on their last legs, it worked a treat.....until today.......brushes no bueno. Previously I've been told by the whole world that there were no rebuild parts for these starters, just throw a couple of hun at KTM for a new one! Today, thanks to Google, I found a source ( www.jackssmallengines.com ) that has parts for the Mitsuba SM-14 as it was also used on the 97-02 Kawasaki KLF220 Bayou ! You can find the brush set ($8.96) or repair kit ($44.96) at : http://www.jackssmallengines.com/atv_kawasaki_start_rk.cfm Changing the brushes is maybe a 30 minute job and sure beats trashing a overwise good piece of equipment. Remember, you are looking for parts for a Mitsuba SM-14!
Nice work! Also if you run across any odd-ball starters that need brushes hit up and old-school auto electric shop that still rebuilds their own starters and alternators - they will usually have a huge selection of brushes and one of them is bound to fit:)
Hey there is a thing called a kick start option, ya incorrigible tinkerer! You and I are certainly old enough to know about this. You back on the bike already?- mark
My starter on my 04 625 died on me as well. This is one of the few times I had it at a shop and they just ordered brushes labeled for another application that fit instead of making me purchase a new one from KTM.