Topic: Starter safety module

[CharlieVT]

I searched around here for info on the starter safety module, no joy. If someone knows of a thread please point me there.
1974 CB500, starter safety module doesn't work. Clutch switch does so starter relay only engages with clutch in.

I took the starter safety module apart (destoryed it) to find out what was in there; a few diodes, a transistor, capacitor, etc..  Pretty complicated for what it does. It must be designed to do more than I understand. 

Question: besides preventing the stater from engaging unless the transmission is in neutral (the clutch switch is really a different ciircuit) what does the starter safety module do?

My old BMWs use just a couple of diodes to allow the starter to engage only if the clutch is in or the bike is in neutral.

Question:  Are there sources for replacement the starter safety module?  Has anyone created a homebrew ciircuit that replaced the starter safety module, at least as far as making the neutral switch enable the starter?

Thanks,
Charlie

[CharlieVT]

Okay, after a little more schematic study and a little experimentation I have replaced the whole starter protection module with a single diode. This allows starting in neutral without pulling in the clutch and prevents the starter from engaging when in gear.  The diode serves to prevent the neutral indictor light from coming on when the clutch lever is pulled in.

So I have achieved the operating parameters I wanted, which leaves the question: what the heck was the purpose of all those components in the original modulre?  All I can figure is that there was some starter relay protection to prevent the starter relay contacts from overheating or something. 

So besides preventing you from staring the bike in gear with the clutch engaged (which I accomplished with one diode), what does the starter protection module do?  And should I seek to replace it?

Thanks,
Charlie

[crazypj]

I had a friend with a 550 which doesnt have starter protection (just clutch switch, which he bypassed)
 He swore it would go 5mph faster if he hit the starter button when flat out. Worked until the starter clutch exploded then it got scary and very quiet. I never tried it and I don't think he ever did it again either.
This is probably no help to you but its a new story as to why you shouldn't hit starter  button when the bike is running
PJ