1980 CB750c starting problem

[Eric]

I'm new to forums and newer to motorcycles so forgive me if this has been covered, i used the search and didn't find anything. 

So here is the problem i have been having, I turn the key on, press the starter button and the headlight dims but nothing else happens.  The neutral light wont come on, i jump the connections on the starter relay and the starter motor spins but it doesn't seem to be engaging anything in the engine.

I'm suspecting the neutral switch or the wiring although nothing that i have read indicates that this would stop it from turning the engine over.  Is this a common symptom? Does anyone have a picture of the neutral switch in its home? or pictures of what can commonly go wrong?

Thanks

Eric

[SteveD CB500K0]

Eric - is your bike a DOHC model?

If so, you might have more success on the DOHC sites:
www.cb750c.com
www.cb1100f.net

[Eric]

Wow now i really feel kinda dim lol thanks for the heads up

[Vince P]

Hello Eric,

From what your saying with the neutral light not coming on, this would lead me to believe that either the bike is not fully in neutral (out of gear) see if the bike will roll back and forth freely. If not then it sounds as though the neutral safety switch is gone.

[SteveD CB500K0]

... it sounds as though the neutral safety switch is gone.

That's what lead me to wonder about the SOHC vs DOHC as our old bikes don't have neutral safety cutouts, clutch switch cutouts (or any other safety cutout really!)

Those were the days. 

[JonnyB]

The F1 and F2 have Neutral interlock switch it behind the clutch lever on the handlebars, so you can start in gear with the clutch in. Ff the lights dim I would say that all the Juice is being used by the starter relay and starter motor, make sure the battery is fully charged