Hey so i have a XL883C and i let my sisters bf ride it around, and i forgot to mention to him that sometimes my starter button sticks, so he brought it back to me and it sounded like a fan was on, of course the starter was free spinning because it had no teeth left on it, of course he is going go pay for the new part, but i was wondering if the gear on the starter could be changed or does the starter need to be replaced as a whole? i haven't had a chance to take it apart yet to look at it, thanks!

 

Yes, you can replace the gear only. You don't list the year of your bike so I can't help you with the p/n.
You can also purchase what's known as the "starter clutch assembly" which IMO is the best way to go.

BTW, getting the starter R&R'd is no quick/easy walk in the park. You have to remove the primary cover and usually the rear exhaust pipe.

IMO, I wouldn't bother fixing the starter though, until you fix the sticking button, if that's what's causing the problem.

 

its an 02 XL883C, sorry about that, so i would then need to get a new primary gasket as well.