Pricing out a new 1.4kw starter, they're $590CDN up here; $344USD from Surdyke; I thought I read once somewhere that this was actually a Japanese car starter we're using; any idea what automotive starter works? I'm sure it would be a lot cheaper, especially up here!

 

Take a look here.

It even cross-references to harley part number and they run about $120-180.

Also lots of them on Ebay or from any auto parts store, I'd say, once you figure out the part number to order. On Ebay I searched "nippondenso harley" (without quotes) in "title & descriptions" and got 645.

 

Nice catch Brenn , I know the are made by Nippondenso but I think the mounting face is model specific for harley's . I've used parts from toyota starters to repair stock HD units before but no direct replacements .