First off, NICE build. Looks really nice, unfortunately now I want one
Second, if you turn the motor by hand (without pinion on it) how difficult is it to turn? Does it feel like it has notches? My MedUsa motors are noisy at low RPMs because of the strength of the magnets, I'm wondering if that noise you're hearing is just the motor, I know my Muggy was making some disturbing noises putting around the house but once I opened up the throttle a bit it went quiet.