Shovel wiring.

[1200shovel]

Been looking at the (non functioning) starter motor on my 75 1200 Shovel.
Now it seems to me that there is no need for 2 solenoids as it adds 3 extra joints to the chain to the starter motor and each joint saps some of the power, so I am planning on doing away with the first solenoid and only using the solenoid on the throw out.
Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't do this? Or is it OK?

If it doesn't work this time, the starter motor will be coming off as well as all associated wiring.

Cheers.

[SJC69]

I assume when you say two solenoids you mean the large round {old style L/H top} relay mounted below the battery and the solenoid mounted in the primary case.



Yes you can get rid of the relay and replace it with the more modern type {Bottom of above} available from any car spares shop and wire it up as per later bikes.

The relay then functions to reduce the current load across the handle bar starter contacts by using them only to operate the relay with it's contacts operating the solenoid which then in turn switches the starter motor with it's contacts taking the full load.

Just a bit relocation of the wiring and battery/starter connections required.

[Kiwi]

or you could do away with the small car type relay and just install a heavy duty starter switch and do away with some of the wiring loom going to and from the handle bar switch

[1200shovel]

SJ, that is the one I mean.

The solenoid on the casing as a 12v activating wire, to activate it, can I not just use that one?

[SJC69]

Right what you have at the moment is something like below.
Note this is not a shovel diagram but an '84 evo one, all I have to hand but the principle is the same.




What you do is remove the 'Old' relay, wire the battery cable direct to the long stud of the primary mounted solenoid, also removing the link on the solenoid from the long stud to the small terminal

Install the new relay somewhere suitable and connect it up to the short terminal as per below diagram, job done!

You may well need a different length battery cable.

[1200shovel]

Excellent, I know what I'll be doing tomorrow then!

If that doesn't supply enough oomph to the starter motor then it is all coming off and I will revert to kicker only.

[kiwidave]

Nothing wrong with that. Gets rid of a lot of junk.

Fantastic diagram and explanation, Steve....

[SJC69]

That's the bute of the good old factory manual with colour wiring diagrams!

Bill the quality of the battery cable can make a big differance due to the starter pulling between 100 to 150 amps so any extra resistance can make a big differance.

It's worth a check of the resistance of that main cable and as you say a good reason to get rid of the other round relay and the extra cables too.

[1200shovel]

I have the cable (good thick stuff) and solder on terminals, so I am ready to play.