It is puzzling that I never experienced any difficulty using the electric start - though had pickup position way off (on trailing edge) and stock air-gap. FWIW, my main switch is a single-pole 40A toggle (6" 12ga wire to blade fuse box) and the battery a LiFePo LFX14A2-BS12 - otherwise, a stock ignition
Well you are experienced and by a quick look here You have first grade selection of connectors and do a first class job on the wiring.
So does Mr Jim .. You are " Experienced Experts " 30 - 40 years professional background.
At the other end the 18 year old .Putting in a few hundred dollars maybe 800 for a bike that wont make it home after the purchase. ( don't ask me how i Know that --twice ... )
He don't have the tools knowledge and often not the money to make a first class job.
The bike is just a test trying the hobby -- if it works this summer fine -- the rest is extra bonus.
He cannot refurbish any electrics and are hesitant to put money into it .
Should he make it this summer ..The same situation.. next Summer OK OK ..just one more summer is fine
So then enter the creative solutions electric tape hose clamps steel wire you know the drill
Bike was crap from the start and he don't want to put money on it .. Especially if he don't have the money
He can have problems getting the gas Money .He just want to ride some.
So the crap wiring . Should strictly speaking be tossed out. But he cant do it himself
And take it to a shop a $ 150 an hour is not possible either.
The expensive free bike where all the savings goes routine.
A weak charging ..new alternator was $ 350 .. From Yamaha ..Onto a $ 500 bike
Naeeeh... hhh.. I stood there swaying at the dealers desk. Weak at the knees.
No internet no other solutions -- Rewiring .. with so so result.
other solutions .Including riding with not so much charging. Lights off..
So if this is solved via Kick starting .. There are or at least was people choosing that road.
As long as it starts and runs. Fine
The XS 650 is solid .. Mechanically ... Speaking of the later models .many thousands had been produced and bike refined.
But there will be people I believe out there with weak electrical systems.