When starting my '78GL, the headlight goes out during that startup. It'll start in neutral of course, and also in gear if the clutch is disengaged. It won't start in gear, with the clutch engaged, as it's prevented from doing so by the clutch switch.
If for whatever reason, I wish to flash my headlight at an oncoming vehicle, and with my bike in gear and the clutch lever out, can I do so without having the starter turn over, and causing severe damage? I depressed the start button a while back by mistake, but I didn't hear anything like the starter engaging. But then, the engine and road noise and wind may have been covering it up. I don't know.
It seems like the starter wouldn't turn, since the clutch switch would be open, with the bike in gear. But would the headlight also not go out when I depress the start button.
Clear as mud?...................Dave

Actually I just got thinking. I do that sometimes. That scenario would only be possible with the bike was in gear (clutch lever out) and the bike moving. At a stop, with the clutch lever in, if one were to depress the start button, the starter would be energized, and attempt to engage an already spinning fly-wheel. That wouldn't be too good I don't think.
Have I got that right?