Author Topic: Ignition switch - how many positions?  (Read 753 times)

Offline SteveW

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Ignition switch - how many positions?
« on: November 02, 2017, 06:11:04 PM »
My US 74 CB550k0 has 3 positions, but only 2 are used.

At the moment it seems to be wired off - on - off. Its a genuine Honda ignition switch with a genuine key that works on the seat and tank cap.

Is this correct or has someone wired it wrongly? I have a hell of a lot of wiring problems, looks like the bike was rewired by the Chuckle Brothers in the dark.  :(
1974 CB550 K0
1980 CB650
2000 CBR929RR Fireblade
1966 Lambretta LI150 Series 3
1981 RD350LC
1972 Raleigh Chopper
1974 Raleigh Tomahawk
2011 Henry Hoover

Offline hairygit

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2017, 06:58:00 PM »
That is correct, except that when in the fully clockwise "Off" position, it should put the tail light and the front sidelight (if fitted) on as a parking light, that way you can leave the sidelight(S) on and remove the key, but all other electrics SHOULD be dead.
If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline SteveW

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2017, 07:15:23 PM »
Thanks, very much for the reply.

In the fully clockwise position it does nothing at the moment, the wiring has been very badly bodged.

1974 CB550 K0
1980 CB650
2000 CBR929RR Fireblade
1966 Lambretta LI150 Series 3
1981 RD350LC
1972 Raleigh Chopper
1974 Raleigh Tomahawk
2011 Henry Hoover

Offline deltarider

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2017, 08:13:51 PM »
You will never need that 3rd, the P(ark) position. I believe it had to do with Japanese legislation.

Offline hairygit

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2017, 08:15:31 PM »
You will never need that 3rd, the P(ark) position. I believe it had to do with Japanese legislation.
You are still required by law if you park on an unlit road after dark to leave a sidelight on.

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If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline deltarider

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2017, 08:22:36 PM »
You will never need that 3rd, the P(ark) position. I believe it had to do with Japanese legislation.
You are still required by law if you park on an unlit road after dark to leave a sidelight on.

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That may be, but nobody does.

Offline SteveW

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2017, 09:08:36 PM »
This is some of the horrors i've found today:   :(

1974 CB550 K0
1980 CB650
2000 CBR929RR Fireblade
1966 Lambretta LI150 Series 3
1981 RD350LC
1972 Raleigh Chopper
1974 Raleigh Tomahawk
2011 Henry Hoover

Offline SteveW

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2017, 09:09:45 PM »
More
1974 CB550 K0
1980 CB650
2000 CBR929RR Fireblade
1966 Lambretta LI150 Series 3
1981 RD350LC
1972 Raleigh Chopper
1974 Raleigh Tomahawk
2011 Henry Hoover

Offline hairygit

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #8 on: November 02, 2017, 09:11:56 PM »
Time to make or buy a replacement loom, or start carrying a fire extinguisher on the bike

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If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline Rob62

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2017, 05:11:54 PM »
You will never need that 3rd, the P(ark) position. I believe it had to do with Japanese legislation.
You are still required by law if you park on an unlit road after dark to leave a sidelight on.

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
That may be, but nobody does.

I doubt honda would put japanese legislation features on a bike intended for the usa.... Anyway dont all bikes have a ā€œpā€ on the ignition? Uk ones that is.

Offline BigAl (Alan)

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2017, 06:18:39 PM »
Time for a new loom or extensive repair kit
Current bikes:-
Honda CB750 K4 (1974) USA
Honda XL500S (1980) UK
Honda CD175 sloper (1968) UK
Honda CB1100A (2013) UK
www.alans-electrics.co.uk

Offline SteveW

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Re: Ignition switch - how many positions?
« Reply #11 on: November 04, 2017, 08:01:51 PM »
Finally sorted the wiring so that all lights and switches work as they should  :)
Also the tail light now comes on when the ignition is in the 3rd position.

Just got to replace the rectifier and regulator, i assume the rectfifer is toast as the cables to it are melted.

The wiring loom will be replaced next year, I'm trying to get it ready for an MOT at present.
1974 CB550 K0
1980 CB650
2000 CBR929RR Fireblade
1966 Lambretta LI150 Series 3
1981 RD350LC
1972 Raleigh Chopper
1974 Raleigh Tomahawk
2011 Henry Hoover

 

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