What year is your Fe501e? I have a starter that works so so, I am sure it's a short inside. I am upgrading to the latest starting motor, already bought one on eBay which comes from a GSXR 600, it's the same longer Mitsuba SM-14 as on the latest 550s and ordered the mount bracket from our friend Dan @ Motoxotica.
I guess when it works I can get rid of the older starter, knowing that it can be fixed. Let me know if you want it, it is very to provide replacement for the broken part in your starter.
Careful if you buy a new one on eBay: not all SM-14s are the same. :evil: The length may differ as well as the rear cover, as the brackets may be up or down.
I have some used 2001/2002 engine parts on stock.
What do you need?
Maybe I can help you. I would say that it´s easier to handle the money transaction and shipping intra europe.
What do you think? Just send me an email.