Looking at Harley's wiring diagram for the 1977 FLH. Is the starter relay redundant??? It appears that the starter relay can be by passed and the black wire from the handle bar start button can activate the starter directly via the starter solenoid saving the drain of the initial relay coil. I have the original large solenoid type round relay mounted under the battery.

 

No, you cannot take it out of the circuit, unless you have a bunch of spare starter switches and you like changing them.

 

Relay is due to different voltages, the switch can not handle the power needed for the starter, that is the relay's job. Google starter relay for a better description, but don't do it.

 

Beginning February, 1967 Harley Davidson incorporated a relay in the starter control circuit to provide more positive pull-in of the starter pinion gear and solenoid main contacts under a low battery condition, and, in general, provides more dependable starting.

The relay kit was recommened for use on early Electra- Glides, especially where starting circuit trouble was an issue.

So could you? yes? Is it a wise decision? No because you are just begging for starting problems. I added the relay to my 65 Pan and never looked back.