The Honda Owners Club

Hi

I've acquired an old cx500 A '81 non starter from my dad and have now got it running quite well (that's another topic!) One of the main things I've had issues with though is the kill switch doesn't do anything - ie, it will fire up happily on run or off settings. Checking the wiring behind the headlight I see the black/white wire has been removed - so its obviously a known problem.

Reconnecting it stops the bike from starting it. I've also strung up a brand new wire going from the bullet connector to the CDI unit - thinking a frayed wire down the frame, but still doesnt work.

I suppose my issue is how is the killswitch meant to work? should it short to ground, or hold a 12v charge - because I'm not really sure how bikes are wired in this case.

Switch is "on" (ie connects the 2 wires) when in "off" mode and breaks the connection in "run" mode.

Any help appreciated!

Think you're right, it does short the coils to earth. The handlebar switch probably got all corroded inside, so it was easier to disconnect the switch than repair it.

I've pulled the switch apart, actually looks in good condition, good gold colour to the contacts - so the only wire I havent switched over is the wiring harness from the handlebar to the headlamp wiring, it must have a short in there.

It would also explain why I keep getting an electric shock when I am testing it with a bare wire