yes arcing the solenoid bypasses everything (but proves out your starter and lets you get home)
the way it works is...
you turn the key on and this powers the system...you now have 12 volts running to a varity of places (including the rear LARGE wire of the solenoid)
pushing the start button trips the relay under your tank...
this relay in turn breaks the circuit for the headlamp (turning it off) and connects the circuit for the starting solenoid...(IF all of the safety circuits are in the proper position...ie stand swich, clutch switch, neutral switch...and so on)
this sends a low amp charge to a electromagnetic switch (relay) in the starting solenoid which closes the high amp contacts sending 12vlts from the live LARGE wire to your starter and vrrroommm...
when you jump it (like when you were welding with pocket change) you just cut all the clap trap out and send current directly to the starter
