Topic: Red light in unicorn top tree?

[tweakin]

I have seen unicorn top trees but only a few with a red indicator light in the middle.  Can the mind trust explain this?  The basket case K1 has the red indicator light in the top tree.


Also has this front brake set up which is different than my K3 carrier.  (this is not my posting on ebay)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-1970-CB750-K1-Front-Brake-Caliper-w-Bracket-Import-Model-Japan-Origin-K0-/400422765661


Didn't most K1 come with painted fork ears?  Mine are chrome and appear to be stock and never altered.

Vin CB750-1048297
Engine cb750E-1048927
Thanks in advance for any replies.  Just trying to learn about this bike as I build it.

[brandEn]

The brake carrier is the early "C" shaped version offered on the pre 73 bikes I believe. The forks and internals will be different as well. My bike had that style on it. Hondaman covers it in his book.

[tweakin]

The brake carrier is the early "C" shaped version offered on the pre 73 bikes I believe. The forks and internals will be different as well. My bike had that style on it. Hondaman covers it in his book.

Damn, that was a fast post.  You cyber stalking me??? ha ha
Thanks B

[scottly]

I think I've read on here that the light was a speed indicator light on Japanese market models?

[Stev-o]

Yes, K1's came with with painted fork ears. Many were "upgraded" to the later style chrome plated version.
You shouldn't have a problem finding some original ears if you prefer them for this bike.

[ekpent]

Painted fork ears on K1's and the red light was a Japanese deal. The bike pictured has a K0 tach and a K1 speedo.

[tweakin]

Thanks for the replies!  No stickers left on the swingarm or oil tank.  I am thinking it was swapped out when the tach was.  This bike is too roaches for a full restore anyways.   

[Geeto67]

Wanna sell me the speed warning light? I have a JDM top clamp and the light is missing.

[tweakin]

Wanna sell me the speed warning light? I have a JDM top clamp and the light is missing.

I really like it Geeto or I would.  Sorry. 

[cb650PK]

Wanna sell me the speed warning light? I have a JDM top clamp and the light is missing.

Gheet, do you know how was the light activated? Of the speedo? That would mean domestic market speedo.

[tweakin]

Wanna sell me the speed warning light? I have a JDM top clamp and the light is missing.

Gheet, do you know how was the light activated? Of the speedo? That would mean domestic market speedo.

My bike wire harness is set up for the red light.  Traced the wire back into the headlight bucket.  Will see how it's connected once I start tear down this weekend. 

[Geeto67]

Wanna sell me the speed warning light? I have a JDM top clamp and the light is missing.

Gheet, do you know how was the light activated? Of the speedo? That would mean domestic market speedo.

I think it is triggered by the speedo, so yes you would need a JDM speedo to match.

[Dream750]

Just to add ...

The overspeed warning light is triggered by a device that fits in between the speedometer cable and speedometer, part number #12 in the diagram below.

The JDM K1 speedometer is a regular KM/H unit with one difference, the face plate which has red tick marks beginning at 80 KM/H and ending at 220 KM/H.

The overspeed light was originally equipped with a warning decal.

The Japanese market 750 parts book shows that K1 fork ears were painted in: candy blue green, candy ruby red, candy gold, candy garnett brown, valley green metallic and polynesian blue metallic. K1 fork ears were also available in unpainted/primer.

[Bodi]

Japanese cars used to or still have to have a speed warning at 105kph: a super annoying doorbell chime noise usually. I suppose the bikes got the red light instead of the chime. The cars had to be inspected every year (maybe two or three?) and had to be exactly factory stock in many ways - tire size, body mouldings, intake, exhaust... speed shops did a good business installing "goodies" though - plus extra $$$ for storing the oem stuff and re-installing it all for inspection... then putting the cool stuff back on afterwards.
Also Japanese trucks have or had three lights on top of the cab to show the speed: they looked like just typical USA truck lights, but indicated speed somehow so you could guess if an oncoming truck was slowing down for an intersection or curve.

[ekpent]

Anybody ever rent the old U-Haul truck back in the day when a light would come on to say your foot was a little to heavy on the throttle ?

[goldarrow]

Just to add ...

The overspeed warning light is triggered by a device that fits in between the speedometer cable and speedometer, part number #12 in the diagram below.

The JDM K1 speedometer is a regular KM/H unit with one difference, the face plate which has red tick marks beginning at 80 KM/H and ending at 220 KM/H.

The overspeed light was originally equipped with a warning decal.

The Japanese market 750 parts book shows that K1 fork ears were painted in: candy blue green, candy ruby red, candy gold, candy garnett brown, valley green metallic and polynesian blue metallic. K1 fork ears were also available in unpainted/primer.

bumping up this thread, anyone knows the part numbers for #12 in the fische? or where to get one?

[Hon3ybadger]

The red light only comes on one night of the year so you can lead the sleigh to deliver presents to all the nice kids. hahahahahahaha

[goldarrow]

The red light only comes on one night of the year so you can lead the sleigh to deliver presents to all the nice kids. hahahahahahaha

i have three young kids and i'm sure they would appreciate that!


so, anyone has any info on this? part numbers?

[Stev-o]

The red light only comes on one night of the year so you can lead the sleigh to deliver presents to all the nice kids. hahahahahahaha

i have three young kids and i'm sure they would appreciate that!


so, anyone has any info on this? part numbers?

I think you will be hard pressed to find one, Gold.  Only the JDM bikes had them. 

[Dream750]

so, anyone has any info on this? part numbers?

If that part is still available from Honda, you will need to seek out a Honda dealer in Japan or Okinawa as they are the only ones with the ability to look up and source their own JDM parts. Honda dealers in the USA, UK, etc. will not have JDM part numbers in their parts system because JDM bikes were never sold outside of Japan/Okinawa. Once upon a time when American Honda was cool, they would help you source non-USA market motorcycle parts, but that’s no longer the case since Mr. Honda passed away. The part number in the JDM diagram (#12) that your looking for is: 38500-300-004. Yamiya might be able to help you, but that’s probably a long shot.

[goldarrow]

That's a good start. Thanks dream750!

[tweakin]

That's a good start. Thanks dream750!

I still have the part and looking to get it working on the K1 this winter.

[mystic_1]

Neat!  That's the first time I've even seen a PICTURE of one of those, never ever seen one in person.

Are you going to try to disassemble it?  If so, take lots of pictures and measurements please! 

mystic_1