Topic: Lighting switch question '72 500K1

[jvandyke]

My manual doesn't match reality.  Schematic shows a "Neutral" position where all lines are hot.  My bike has H, L and dot, High beam, low beam, off.  Manual has H P L, I take that to be High beam, low beam, Parking lights and the schematic in the manual shows this but not the wiring diagram where "neutral" is all hot, which is not what happens.
What's up with that?  I just rewired my bike last night and I think everything is working like it used to but this is confusing me.  Academic point I suppose if it works it works but I have to wonder........

[Deltarider]

My manual doesn't match reality

What manual? My Owner's Manual includes four different wiring schemes for different markets. Wiring for horn and lights differed depending what market the bike was ment for.

[jvandyke]

it's the one with the blue cover, i probably downloaded it from here.  Digital version.  page 104 125
So far all the wiring diagrams I've found also show the lighting switch to have a "neutral" and ALL HOT if I'm reading the schematic correctly, which I'm probably not.

http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/wiring500.html



same with the 550

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/motoforge/2011-03-15_154210_cb550.jpg

[jvandyke]

I read it as power is delivered to the switch via black (switched hot, ignition position 1) the switch distributes power to high beam (blue), low beam (white) and tail light (brown/white).  The brown/white runs back to the ignition switch (it also powers the gauge lights on the way) where it connects to the solid brown wire to power the tail light.  There is a solid brown terminal in the harness at the headlight which is nice for me as I am making all my blinkers into running lights as well (I suppose the terminal is there for European lighting or something).  In ignition position 2 (parking light mode) the ignition switch connects red (unswitched hot) straight to solid brown for the tail light (and in my case, all the running lights).   So, why does the schematic seem to show this "N" setting (neutral) connecting all four, Brown, White, Brn/white, Black.  On my bike, the "dot" setting on the lighting switch is "off" and the lights go out (if memory serves, even the gauge lights went out).  Stealth mode, I think even the tail light goes out, just a brake light at that point.  I can test with my meter but I just wondered.

[jvandyke]

sorry, kinda dense here, don't follow you

[jvandyke]

Maybe I have a none stock switch, could be, bike has been in the family since '73 but not in my care that whole time!  I think more likely '72 still had a defeat switch and the diagrams don't cover this.  Nice for starting if you're battery is really weak, or your trying to sneak around (like the exhaust won't give you away!).
I'll put a picture up if photo bucket ever gets back online.
Looks just like this


I guess that's my point.  If "N" effectively connects all circuits, they'd all be hot (with key on) and all light up, mine isn't "N" it's a red dot and doesn't light up anything, it kills everything!  Thanks for your input.  I know I can just put the meter on things and start checking if it worries me enough.  I just don't know why you'd want this option; essentially running high and low beam (and tail light) all at the same time?

[wowbagger]

Your switch is stock for that year 500. This was before running lights were required. So the dot is the off position for the headlight. I just leave mine on L at all times.

[jvandyke]

Yep, me too.  I redid the manual pin out, something like this is more appropriate, manual written '71 so it's a bit weird that it's wrong.

[Deltarider]

This was before running lights were required.

That's another thing we could have done without. Who but a blatant idiot could think of having the headlight on and than start? Even when the light dies whilst starting, it is still stupid. It's another example of overdoing things like having people read texts (objects in this mirror... etc.) when they look in the mirror. They might as well have put: caution: this mirror doesn't show all because of this line. Not to mention it is a danger for autists and dyslectics. We didn't have writings in our mirrors or automatic running lights in Europe except for a silly car named Saab. If you don't remember to switch on the headlight before you select first gear, you don't belong on a bike. Period.

[CBDee]

That scene in Jurassic Park when the T Rex was running behind the jeep - best use of the "objects in mirror are closer then they appear" sign that I've ever seen!