Hitting the starter while the engine is running

B

Boom King

Well-known member
So I'm still learning the technical side of motorcycles. I know that with cars, if you accidentally turn the ignition while the engine is running this is quite bad as it causes the starter gear to grind against a fast spinning flywheel.

With motorcycles, my understanding is that the gears are in constant mesh and there is an overrun clutch or freewheel that acts as sort of a protective device. Once the engine reaches a certain RPM, basically idle speed and greater, the starter will have no effect on the flywheel and the gears will not engage. There is still a bit of a sound as there is power going to the starter motor. So while you shouldn't do it on purpose, hitting the starter accidentally on your bike will have very minimal negative consequences other than perhaps putting unnecessary strain on your electrical system.

Correct my understanding if I'm wrong.
 
And don't forget, if you hit it while riding it'll do absolutely nothing (not even spin it), clutch out, in gear = disabled starter button.

Was a little freaked out when I found out my R1 uses to the starter button as the lap timer! Was thinking, do I really want to hit the starter button at wide open throttle/high rpm? lol.

-Jamie M.
 
I have an older BMW with L-Jetronic ignition. The sprag clutch on the starter will disengage the starter when the engine RPM exceeds 700 RPM. If the starter button is pressed while the engine is running, the starter will not spin but a signal will be sent to the EFI computer to that will enrichen the mixture to injectors. The practical use for this feature is to determine if the CO2 nixture is set correctly. If the engine rises or lowers in RPM, the CO2 is improperly set. If the RPMs remain unchanged, the CO2 mixture is correct.
 
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P.S. Most cars built within the past 5 years will not engage the starter if the vehicle is running.
The PCM detects the RPM signal and simpy doesn't ground the starter relay.
 
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