Motorcycle Repair: Motorcycle, cylinoid, honda cm

Question
i have a 1981 honda cm 400e and i have to start it with a screwdriver through the cylinoid and i want to know what i need to fix it in know its not a cb but its close enough

Answer
Usually the switch in the handlebar switch unit gets corroded.  On most Honda's the starter wire is yellow with a red stripe.  Check that you get 12V on that when you press the starter button.  Check it at the solenoid first.  If you get 12V when you press the starter button, then your solenoid is bad.  If you don't get the 12V, chase the wire back to where the open circuit is.
Good luck,  Jan