Topic: starter solenoid

[flyin_]

Hi everyone.  I want to say how great this forum is.  I have been lurking around for a while and have never had to post a question yet since I have always found an answer by searching the forum.  What a wealth of info there is in here. 

I have an electrical question.  I'm fixing up a 750K6 that had bad electrical problems.  I am replacing the harness, regulator and rectifier.  I just found that the starter solenoid had a few wires that look burnt.  what happens when the solenoid is bad.  Does the starter just not work or could I possibly short out or burn out other electrical components?  I don't mind not having a starter but I just don't want to cause other problems with newly replaced wires and electrics.  So I guess what I'm asking is, if the solenoid is bad can I just leave it in there or do I need to replace or remove/bypass it to avoid other problems. 

Thanks for the help.

[Gordon]

So I guess what I'm asking is, if the solenoid is bad can I just leave it in there or do I need to replace or remove/bypass it to avoid other problems. 

Thanks for the help.

You can just disconnect it, as long as you don't mind kick-sarting.  It builds character, anyway!

[flyin_]

I like character
So I can just disconnect it and cover the ends?  Or do I need to do something with the wires currently connected to the solenoid?

[madbunny]

yes. you can leave it there and just unplug the small gauge wires.

personally i omitted the whole circuit on my rewire, including the starter and large positive cables (as there was nothing to really attach them to).

the downside is you pretty much have to rtv the old starter cover down because it bolts to the starter and you have to plug the hole where the drive end of the starter goes into the gearbox. i used an expandable rubber engine block/freeze plug, six years 13,000 miles, no probs.

just means you actually have to keep the bike in good tune or you'll kick your arse straight off trying to get 'er started...

[Gordon]

just means you actually have to keep the bike in good tune or you'll kick your arse straight off trying to get 'er started...

I can second that!  My 750 has been a kick-start only for the last two years, but I like it that way.  It forces me to ride it more often, cause if it sits too long, it's a real #$%* to get going again.  I left the starter and solenoid in place because I planned on getting it working again someday, but someday just hasn't come around yet.