Both starters are in perfect working condition.
As for the culprit, a "drilled" FWD starter plate!!!! I'll post pictures once I'm home tomorrow. The previous owner... wow... what a guy. Oh, and I also recovered a pair of pliers from behind a cross member
Also, since when did crappy tire close at 7 on Saturdays?! Sigh... Sleep at work, crappy tire in the morning for some missing parts, and then finish the job hopefully before noon.

'97 GSX - DD and running strong
'99 GSX Spyder - Running strong
'99 GS - zzzz.

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