Looks like it came from the factory with that starter mounted there. Have you ever used the Honda starter and charging system on a build like this? I have an 2001 like this and I love it.
Yes I rather have a key start machine but i build these carts to sell them and found that most campgrounds in Wisconsin will not allow key start carts for Insurance reasons they say. That's one of reasons for the huge muffler, OE Honda so its very quiet and U.S. forest spark arrestor
Wisconsin DNR will Do a Decibel test on State trails, I've paid that ticket a few times
I do get a kick outta building modified carts and try to make them look like a Factory built one off concept.