Author Topic: Where can I find a good ignition switch? (Read 1552 times)

Scott S · « **on:** June 13, 2013, 10:45:35 AM »

I need a good ignition switch for my '78 CB550K.

I tried the Emgo switch and it lasted about 20 miles before it literally fell apart. Zip tied it together and made it home. When I removed it from the bike it came apart in multiple pieces.

Tried cleaning the Honda switch, but I still have that intermittent fault when it's installed. I can wiggle the wires and make it lose power.

I can't find a genuine Honda switch anywhere. I'd be willing to give an aftermarket switch another try, but the one I had was a P.O.S.

The switch fits:

'77-79 CB750A, CB750F and CB750K
'77-78 CB550F and K
'79 CB650
'75-77 CB400F
'76-77 GL1000

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:14:05 AM »

Silvers?

Scott S · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:17:38 AM »

The one they list is aftermarket, which means it's most likely an Emgo. Has anyone else had troubles with the Emgo switches, or did I just get a lemon?

Mooshie · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:22:26 AM »

I had to replace my OEM switch about a year ago (it gave up the ghost after my 2500 mile ride). My emgo has been perfect. No problems. Perhaps you got a lemon?

Scott S · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:29:13 AM »

Does yours have the white base or black? I see DSS has a black base. My Emgo has a white base and it just doesn't fit tightly. I can pull it apart pretty easily, whereas I had to press in the prongs and pry apart the Honda switch.

Duanob · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:30:14 AM »

Is a 78 K the same as a 76 F switch? I've seen rebuild kits for these where you replace just the electrical at the bottom of the switch and keep the key lock. Its still an EMGO but maybe its better than the whole switch? I've heard they are very hit or miss as far as quality.

strynboen · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:40:08 AM »

i have to glue mine NEW noname..svitch/key.it broke before i get it mounted..araldit can make it work

Scott S · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2013, 12:19:19 PM »

I may have just figured it out/fixed it.

The metal body part has three "windows" that the plastic retaining ears or pins or whatever you call them are supposed to snap into. I noticed that the plastic part of mine wasn't snapping in or seating.
Took my pocket knife and cleaned out some casting flash in those windows and the bottom part then seated/snapped into place.

Tested it on the bike by wiggling the connector and it all seemed good. I took the precaution of zip-tying the bottom part in place around the triple tree, just in case. Works great and I can't make it short out like it was doing when I wiggled the wires with the stock switch in place.

So far, so good....I'll see how it lasts.

knowsnothing · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2013, 12:25:32 PM »

Quote from: Scott S on June 13, 2013, 12:19:19 PM

Tested it on the bike by wiggling the connector and it all seemed good. I took the precaution of zip-tying the bottom part in place around the triple tree, just in case. Works great and I can't make it short out like it was doing when I wiggled the wires with the stock switch in place.

I had the same issue with an emgo replacement POS on my 78 750. Zip ties seem to be the answer. No issues here for about 2 years

Scott S · « **Reply #9 on:** June 13, 2013, 12:39:34 PM »

There was black plastic completely filling in the slots/windows on the metal body. After cleaning out the casting flash, the plastic lower part actually snapped into place like it was supposed to. The zip-tie was a precaution.

Lots of stupid little crap has been kicking my butt on this bike lately, but I'm getting there! It's currently running better than it ever has, even if it's only at about 95%!

knowsnothing · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2013, 12:57:55 PM »

mine was a white cap and not it wasn't snapping in well. Might have to go back and check the holes to make sure they are clear.

davidtime · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2013, 01:04:43 PM »

I bought this one and it works fine so far.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HONDA-CB400F-CB550-CB750-CB900-GL-CBX-IGNITION-SWITCH-5-PRONG-/380657253623?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58a0f0bcf7

Scott S · « **Reply #12 on:** June 13, 2013, 01:07:35 PM »

That's a horrible picture in the auction, but see the black rectangle on the metal part? That window was completely filled in on mine. Using a pen knife, just sticking the blade in the hole cleaned out some casting flash, leaving some plastic at the top of the hole, but opening up a slot for the white plastic base to snap into.

davidtime · « **Reply #13 on:** June 13, 2013, 02:01:17 PM »

You know I just remembered mine came apart once. I haven't really used it since I got it so I can't say for sure what it will do in the long run.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #14 on:** June 13, 2013, 03:48:48 PM »

I bought a NOS one of ebay a couple of months back Scott, if i can find or remember the link i'll post it here...

Scott S · « **Reply #15 on:** June 13, 2013, 07:23:05 PM »

The only NOS one I found was $399! Mo thanks.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #16 on:** June 13, 2013, 08:14:26 PM »

Quote from: Scott S on June 13, 2013, 07:23:05 PM

The only NOS one I found was $399! Mo thanks.

Mine was 45 dollars and it still in the old Honda box unopened, its an early one for a K1, K2.... Keep looking...

cgarbe · « **Reply #17 on:** August 16, 2013, 01:30:52 PM »

Can anyone tell me how the switch attaches to the bike? My 1975 Honda CB400F didn't come with the stock ignition switch and I'm not sure if it connects to the instrument cluster or the mounting bracket or what.

Thanks!

Scott S · « **Reply #18 on:** August 16, 2013, 04:59:42 PM »

The 400F is like the later 550's. You should see two little "humps" in the center f the triple tree. They are threaded underneath. The switch slips in behind the headlight and under those humps. Probably best to remove the nuts for the gauges and just slip them out of the way. No need to unhook the wiring, but undo the tach and speedo cable and lay a towel on your headlight. Set gauges on towel, snake switch in under triple tree and install two bolts from underneath.

70CB750 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2013, 06:17:38 PM »

I gave up on original controls soon after I got the K0, bought left and right controls from 2000 or so R6 and they work great.

cgarbe · « **Reply #20 on:** August 23, 2013, 06:48:29 AM »

Thanks Scott S...I figured that's how they mounted but wasn't sure since my bike didn't come with one.

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Author Topic: Where can I find a good ignition switch? (Read 1552 times)