2011 dong fang 250rtc starter issue

Hi, I recently purchased a 2011 250rtc. The bike was not running when I purchased it (needed carb cleaned and adjusted) but now I’m having trouble with the starter just free spinning. The starter and solenoid are new and working but it just sounds like everything is free spinning on the inside. I checked the reduction gears and they’re in good shape and seem to be moving as they should. I haven’t taken the cover off to really look at the flywheel but from what I could see, it was moving as the reduction gears turned. Is there anything I should check before tearing this motor apart anymore? It also only has 3500 miles on the clock