SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

How to do this?

(1/6) > >>

deltarider:
Soon I have to replace the LH switch unit (the wires through the handlebar type) by another one and I am not sure about the correct working order. Can any of you experienced mechanics tell - preferably in steps 1-n - how it is done correctly?

McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
In my short experience of two, threading the wires it is much easier if you have removed the handle bars from the bike.
First time I used a piece of string that passed through the bars and attached it to the harness with insulating tape. If you use silicone spray the wires pull through much easier. When I fitted the switches on the 500 I improved on string by using two long cable ties instead. Also easier done in warmer weather - I had my switches in the airing cupboard overnight then doing the threading through in our conservatory.

deltarider:
Thank you, Ted.
If possible I'd like to have it in steps, so we will have the correct procedure, also for the rest of the world SOHC Four community and we will only have to communicate a simple link hereafter.
Step 1 would be: open the headlamp and disconnect all the wires connected to the wires coming from the   switch unit. If necessary, consult the wiring diagram of your particular model.
Step 2 Free handlebar from its clamps for easier maneuvering
Step 3 Before removal of the old unit which implies pulling the associated wires out through the handlebar attach... what?

Oddjob:
I presume you want to replace the broken bottom section that snapped recently. If so I would advise just doing that, removing the wires from the bars usually means the covering of the wires disintegrates especially if the switch is original, the covering goes hard over time and breaks into sections, removing the wires will either mean these sections grab at anything inside the bars and make removing them difficult but refitting them will be a nightmare. It's far easier to just remove the switches from inside the switch and replace the broken part with a new one. Removing the switches is pretty easy with the right screwdrivers, it's just usually 2 or 3 small screws holding them in place, if you feel replacing the bottom section would look odd against the top section replace both, replace the indicator lever and the horn/flasher button as well and it will look like a new switch but without all the bother of threading wires and reconnecting bullet connectors etc.

This is especially true if the replacement is not a genuine Honda switchgear, some of the replacements have the wrong coloured wires, so long as your existing wires are still in good nick and the switches inside the switchgear work as they should it's far far easier to just swap the bodies. Study the new switchgear and see how it fits, take a couple of pics to be sure. I could do that job in 20 minutes or spend many hours trying to thread the wires etc

deltarider:
Aha! Thanks Oddjob. Actually the switch unit itself is not damaged and all functions work. Also I have fitted already a new lever. It's just that I can't fit my mirror anymore. See pic. Maybe I have not studied it enough. If all the wiring goes from the tophalf of the unit, replacing the bottom half would be a good option.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page