Topic: 1976 honda cb550 won't start at all, nothing!

[Spiderbath]

I have a 1978 honda cb550 frame with a 1976 cb550 engine. The wiring harness I put on is also from a 1976 honda cb550. I bought a brand new battery that's good. I tested it on an old 1979 honda cb750 that I bought as a part bike. I put the starter controls from the 79 honda on the cb550 and from all the wiring diagrams I've looked at I think I have it connected right. When I turn the key the tail light comes on, but when I press the start button nothing happens at all. I tested the solenoid and starter motor, both are good. All fuses look good, I put on a new regulator/rectifier. I'm not sure what to do. I feel like I've tried every wiring combination and I still get nothing at all! If someone could help me out, I would be forever grateful!

[goldarrow]

Open up right hand control and check there?

[Spiderbath]

I've opened up the right control and everything looks good, no corrosion. I have a multi-meter and I've checked the battery, it reads 12v. I haven't read from the starter yet, I'll do that tomorrow.

The problem with the kick start is that my points plate needs to be replaced, the points are both stuck in the closed position. I'm just trying to make sure I have the hand control hooked up right, then I'll go from there. I plan on getting a dyna s ignition very soon.

Also, I know the solenoid turns, I've checked it numerous times.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll mess with it tomorrow and see what happens.

[Spiderbath]

Here's what I'm working with, btw...

[Spiderbath]

I just checked the battery, 12.10v. Then jump started the solenoid and it turned over. So, I'm guessing I need to mess around with control wiring a little more?

[Tews19]

The wire harness looks like a lot of loose wires. Connect the blue/red with the blue/red. Make sure they all the wires are connected to their matching wire.... Also you have a 550F harness..

[Tews19]

I believe you are correct Cal. Those are the only colors I could really make out that aren't connected. I think I see a solid black and a black /white wire not connected to anything as well.

[Tews19]

Cal that is what I was referring to. Lots of wires disconnected.  I think I see a bunch of wires missing male and female bullet connectors.

Take your time. Male sure all wires are connected to matching wires. 

[nevernoluck]

Got the opposite problem, bike cranks but won't start

[Tews19]

NL do you have spark on all 4? Maybe post a video? Timing may be off. Points or electronic ignition?

[Spiderbath]

Hey Cal, you said you posted a link, but I didn't see one.

I've been outside messing with it and still nothing. I know the wiring is a mess but it's because the control is from the 79 honda and those are the wires I spliced. I didn't want to start using female/male ends until I knew what went where.

I have a multi-meter but I a newbie with it and don't really understand electrical all that much (even though my father is an electrician). I guess I need to get that battery charged first though. I have a friend that's an engineer who's rebuilt his own bike and he said he'd help me with it when he gets the time. I'll see if he can come by this weekend and help me out. I'll show him all the suggestions you guys gave me and go from there.

I took on a way bigger project than I anticipated and I just keep running into one thing after another, but I've heard that's how it is with older bikes. This was a stripped down cafe racer that was being built back up so I've been trying to find what parts I can here and there. I did manage to rebuild the carburetors about 2 months ago, but I haven't been able to get the bike started in order to start tuning/adjusting those. That'll be my next post after I figure this mess of wires out.

Thanks for the tough love though, I know it's going to take a lot and I just need to stick with it.

[Spiderbath]

Oh that vintage connection site is great!! I went to walmart a while back and picked up a cheap package of connectors, I will be taking that crap back. I have a pair of crimps, solder and a good soldering gun though.
Thanks again, I hope to start diving in a little deeper tomorrow or this weekend. I'll start taking readings and giving more accurate descriptions on what's going on.

[Spiderbath]

Just looked and that's exactly what I have, was meant to be!