Motorcycle Repair: Starter, jackshaft, heritage softail

Question
Good morning and thank you for taking the time to answer this question-

I've got a 2004 Heritage Softail. The past few times I started it there seemed to be a drag in the starter. Now when I hit the button I only hear the starter spin. Nothing engages...

Is this the starter or the jackshaft?
How difficult is it to change either?
Would it be recommended to change both, since it seems everything needs to come out to do this?
Should I go with aftermarket parts from drag specialties instead of OEM?

Just looking for an honest unbiased opinion.
Thank you,
G

Answer
Its probably the starter, but you have to remove the jackshaft the remove the starter so you can inspect it then. I would remove the primary cover and bump the starter button and see if the jackshaft slides in and out. If not, then its probably the bendix int he starter. You will have to remove the starter to ge to it. After you get it out you can test it to determine what the problem is. About hte only thing that can go wrong with the jackshaft is the teeth wearing out or not sliding, so its probably not bad. If its the bendix you can rebuild it. You can use either Harley or aftermarket parts. They are pretty much both the same.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike