Motorcycle Repair: starter gear drive, little spring, conected

Question
"my starter just whines so I took off the primary cover and the gear turns one way real easy and the other way, it does turn but with a little resistance. Also when you pull it out to mesh with the clutch gears it's not ridgid at all, seems like it could just bounce out of the gears when you try to start it. By the way it is a new starter so that's not the problem. Also how do you get it out, looks like there is a little spring that's conected to like a type of fork, like a wishbone that would extend the starter drive into the primary gears(clutch)if you have any info for me I would appreciate it. Thanks
Brad (bsiniard@sbcglobal.net)
PS. 1971 Sportster

Answer
Your problem is the starter gear. It is designed only to turn one way. It should lock the other way.
To remove it you have to remove the clutchs, clutch hub, as well as the motor sprocket and chain. Remove the screw at the top of the starter gear, located on the top of the case. Then the gear and shaft will pull out.
good luck and happy riding
Mike