AZrider_imp
First service completed
Thread starter
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?
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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?Lord Popgun_imp said: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, 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.Never understood why it couldn't be done in the 20th century.SportsterDoc_imp said:I know this is an old post, but I took a "leave of absence" for a few months.
The starter motor engages via an overrunning clutch.
Hitting the starter button closes the starter relay and the starter turns...but without engaging the engine when the engine is running.
No harm, no foul, no issue.
FYI, mandatory in Canada for at least three decades as a safety feature ...some call it ignition lock switchCormanus_imp said:I've driven a manual Toyota Corolla that won't start unless the clutch is depressed.

North American is the land of automatic cages.Cormanus_imp said:I've driven a manual Toyota Corolla that won't start unless the clutch is depressed.
2019 Kia Soul base model, 1.6 liter, 6 speed manual, no remote door operation, but cruise control can be added for ~$70 in Kia parts.Gone in 60_imp said:I have never owned an automatic car, but manuals are getting harder to find. My cousin had to special order a BMW 4-series coupe to get a manual, four months for delivery. My boss found a used 4-series in manual, and was engaged in a bidding war for it. A good friend wanted a 2018 Ecoboost Mustang convertible with a manual. Six month delivery. All US manuals have had the clutch-only start for years now as well.
My current Fiesta better last a long time...
I worked at Disneyland in the 80s. There was a fleet of service trucks roaming the parking lot, guided by spotters in towers with a complete view of the lot. Among other things, they were looking for guests with hoods up. There had been several instances where a good Samaritan would try to help jump-start someone else's dead car. Two cars, nose-to-nose, cabled up, usually with someone standing between them. If one car was a manual, and the engine was started in gear without the clutch in, wham, bad day for the guy between the cars, and we sue Disney as it was on their property. The service trucks would try to get there to help before someone might hurt themselves.
2019 Kia Soul base model, 1.6 liter, 6 speed manual, no remote door operation, but cruise control can be added for ~$70 in Kia parts.SportsterDoc_imp said:2019 Kia Soul base model, 1.6 liter, 6 speed manual, no remote door operation, but cruise control can be added for ~$70 in Kia parts.Gone in 60_imp said:I have never owned an automatic car, but manuals are getting harder to find. My cousin had to special order a BMW 4-series coupe to get a manual, four months for delivery. My boss found a used 4-series in manual, and was engaged in a bidding war for it. A good friend wanted a 2018 Ecoboost Mustang convertible with a manual. Six month delivery. All US manuals have had the clutch-only start for years now as well.
My current Fiesta better last a long time...
I worked at Disneyland in the 80s. There was a fleet of service trucks roaming the parking lot, guided by spotters in towers with a complete view of the lot. Among other things, they were looking for guests with hoods up. There had been several instances where a good Samaritan would try to help jump-start someone else's dead car. Two cars, nose-to-nose, cabled up, usually with someone standing between them. If one car was a manual, and the engine was started in gear without the clutch in, wham, bad day for the guy between the cars, and we sue Disney as it was on their property. The service trucks would try to get there to help before someone might hurt themselves.