Yeah that seems logical.. Because a short would definitely do that. I hope that you figure out soon keep us updated curious to see how everything turns out good luck buddy

 

yay!.. problem found and solved!.. was just as i suspected - loose clutch diode/neutral indicator wire, not shorting per se but not completing the circuit as it looks to have always been ground/mounted on the front sprocket cover.. not quite sure how that completes the circuit but thats how it was and it starts and runs normally so i is happy!.. thanks for input guys..

 

Np always nice when it's something simple and cheap!