Strange starting issue

[SpecialK]

Hey guys, so on my 83 Maxim 400 a strange issue has developed where when I start the bike and press add any extra load to the circuit such as pressing in the brake lever or turning on the high beams the bike would shut off. I was able to track the source of the problem down to the starter circuit cut off relay, when I remove the relay from the circuit the bike starts quicker and any extra load on the circuit doesn't turn the bike off. Does this mean that the relay itself is toast or is there another issue? What is the purpose of this relay exactly?

Thanks

Matt