Honda-SOHC

Not sure about the anti gravity batteries but i've just bought the Electrosport ESR240 regulator / rectifier and hopefully fitting it this weekend.

http://www.electrosport.com/street-bikes/honda/cb550f-k3-75-78/honda-cb350f-750f-regulatorrectifier.html

Bit of a tech review here:
http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/technical-articles/how-motorcycle-charging-system-works

Cheapest place i found for it was £54 from M&P with free delivery and came in a couple of days.

This is why i'm replacing mine, circled in red

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.

This is some of the horrors i've found today:   

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. 

Thats pretty much what mine looks like, the bit i can see anyway.

I'll replace the entire green cable.

Yes, that one is in place.

One of the few cables that look in reasonable condition.   

Hi Topcat, I'm just just down the road from you in Stokenchurch.

I've had my 74 CB550 for 2 weeks, like yours carb issues and bodged electrics.

Steve

I'm just by Junction 5 of the M40

Pic attached.

Someone has moved the ignition switch from the side to between the clocks. They have extended the wires by cutting the existing loom in half and inserting randomly coloured bits of wire from god knows what. wires twisted together and a small bit of insulation tape.

Same with the horn, more random wire twisted together.

Best one, i've just found. The main cable to the starter crushed between the engine case and the chain cover. No wonder i was getting whisps of smoke when i tried to start it