Does bike know when it's running?

[AZrider_imp]

If you hit the starter button while the bike is on, does it do what the others have done for years or does it know it's running and nothing happens?

[Scoobynut_imp]

I have no idea. But there is one sure-fire way to find out -- give it a try!

[Ack-CB11_imp]

It knows, nothing to worry about.

[Lord Popgun]

Well, on page 18-2 of the service manual is a starter system wiring diagram.

The starter relay coil will have 12v on one side if the ignition switch is on, the stop (or kill) switch is closed, and the starter switch is pushed. This assumes the fuses are good.

The other side of the coil gets ground from either the sidestand switch being closed (stand up) and clutch switch closed (clutch being pulled) or from the neutral switch being in the neutral poisition.

There is nothing in the schematic that has anything to do with the engine running.

I wouldn't push the start switch with the engine running just to see. Motocycle parts are not cheap.

[Scoobynut_imp]

Well, on page 18-2 of the service manual is a starter system wiring diagram.

The starter relay coil will have 12v on one side if the ignition switch is on, the stop (or kill) switch is closed, and the starter switch is pushed. This assumes the fuses are good.

The other side of the coil gets ground from either the sidestand switch being closed (stand up) and clutch switch closed (clutch being pulled) or from the neutral switch being in the neutral poisition.

There is nothing in the schematic that has anything to do with the engine running.

I wouldn't push the start switch with the engine running just to see. Motocycle parts are not cheap.

Yeah, I was being a little bit of a smartass, probably best not to try it. I do have to ask the original poster, though -- why are you even curious about this?

[AZrider_imp]

I have pushed it already and not once but twice. I was going down the road and tried to hit the flashers and hit the start button by mistake the first time and a bump in the road made me hit it a second time. Between the helmet and ear plugs, not sure what I heard. Just curious what really happened.

[furious_blue_imp]

interesting...

I *think* most (all ?) starters have a one-way clutch or ratchet.. if the engine is spinning faster than the connected starter motor, then the running starter is disengaged from the running engine. This would take care of the more normal case of holding the starter button down a little too long (continuing to run the starter even after the engine has started).

[Scoobynut_imp]

AZ, I doubt accidentally engaging the starter like that will do any lasting harm. When I was a kid, we had an older and a newer Toyota Corrolla. My mom used the wrong key in the older one, somehow got it inserted, twisted the key, but it stuck in the 'start' position. She drove all over town, probably 10 miles total with the starter engaged the whole time! Yeah, it did ruin the starter, but she made it home! A couple little accidental and brief starts like you did are nothing in comparison so I wouldn't worry about it.

[Ack-CB11_imp]

AZ, Thats happened to me many times on other bikes, nothing happens except a little zing kind of spinning noise. No grinding or anything scary, you wouldn't hear it with a helmet on.
I hit it on the CB with the same results, bikes are smart. You and I have done no damage at all.

[AZrider_imp]

Good to hear that there won't be any lasting damage. Thanks.