I just picked up a 78 650 Special. It has been sitting for 30 years. I hope to rebuild it with my son (for as long as his patience lasts anyway). In any event, I am a total noob here. New to bikes, relatively new to vehicles (I putter on some cars and "figure stuff out"). As such, if you respond please assume I know nothing.
So, we picked it up this weekend and I took apart the front brake line and fluid reservoir and succeded in fixing the front brake (which makes it easier/safer to move around). I decided to see if the kick start could move but it wouldn't. We put a little marvel into the plugs. I still couldn't move it (was only using half pressure as I didnt want to break anything). There is oil in the case, and I can get the kickstart moving with the clutch handle pulled in. I am guessing that means seized engine.
My hope is to get it started before I start tearing in to it, if possible. So my real question is actually about the electric system. I read through a bunch of posts on this site and see a battery is needed to start it. I will have to fix a couple wires the mice used as chew toys before I do that. But I would like to know why the battery is required. It seems as though it has something to do with the starter maybe? I am just curious on the starting process that would get power to the starter(?) at the exact time I try to kick start? Hopefully, that question makes sense. I am just looking to understand the bike's starting process, specifically as it relates to the kick starter. I imagine there are more than a few people here that can answer that off the top of thwir heads!
Thanks in advance
Edit(update) after typing this I went to go play a bit and tried @pamcapote suggestion of turning the 17mm bolt on the alternator (I had to google where it was). After just a little pressure with a standard ratchet it turned! The kick start is no longer stuck and makes the sound you would expect to hear. Now on to the electrical, drain and fresh gas, battery, and start attempt. Still curious about the "how" on the battery electrical.