Motorcycle Repair: clutch diode, starter solenoid, bettween

Question
my  84 750 nighthawk S  wont start. tried replacing solenoid, no change. clutch diode  reads no  continuity either  way with meter. can i bypass it? i pu t meter on  2000 ohms  and switched polarity back and fort h bettween leads  of  diode is this the correct way to test, im almost sure, but .75 hr   drive  for parts./ Thanks ,Frank

Answer
Hi Frank,

If you are talking about the clutch diode
under the fuel tank then it should
have an ohms reading in only one direction
with the meter leads switched.

It is only there to allow starting
in neutral or with the clutch
pulled in gear. It is a safety device
so if you bypass it be aware of that.

Try disconnecting the diode and then see
if it will start with the clutch pulled
in.

If not, just disconnect the green/red
wire from the starter solenoid and
ground it. If you have power coming
from your starter button to the other solenoid
wire then it should start. Be careful as it will start
even in gear this way.

Good luck!
Wayne S.
-----------------------------