AWOL:
So my next question, if I skip the transistor part how do I wire the diode?
You don't skip the transistor part until you've proven that the motor doesn't draw more than about 30mA when you clamp the output shaft.
With or without the transistor, you wire the diode in parallel with the motor, with the cathode to the positive side.
LOL... I'll get my multimeter and double check.
And will just use a diode as you suggest.
Thanks 