It takes less work, but takes longer in frame.
Now that I'm older, it is easier to just remove the engine.
Also you get to clean the shit out of the fins, especially around the mag coil that kills it, and you are able to clean around the flywheel stator and inspect to see the condition of the crank seal also.
If the seal is leaking, after you remove the flywheel to replace, you can also see if the magnets are still glued in the flywheel or have come loose, causing catastrophic
damage to the stator and possibly udder stuff
@ the age of these units, is is good PM to prevent unwanted break downs!
oh, to answer your question, kt 17, II, and magnums use the same starter.
I've never removed the tins, that weren't chocked full of shit and impeded air flow on those opposed twins.
Then there is the ability to inspect, repair if necessary, the drive shaft that is prolly needing attention.
Pay me now or pay me more later, as it goes.