In accordance with the present invention, provided is starter motor including a robust end housing or casing for carrying a needle bearing arrangement. The needle bearing arrangement is generally elongated and includes a plurality of rotatable members or rollers which allows wear to spread amongst all its members, thus increasing the field service life of the starter motor. In one aspect, the needle bearing arrangement is one roller bearing. In another aspect, the needle bearing comprises two roller bearings. Also, the drive end housing is longer and larger in diameter to accommodate the larger needle bearing arrangement.