Topic: Switchgear Conundrum - 1971 K1 500 Four

[paulbaker1954]

Just starting my 500 four (1972 K1) restore and needed to source a LH switch assembly from a UK breaker as the top half of the gear with the mirror and clutch lever mounting was missing. My bike is a US import by the way.

Switch gear arrived but now for the confusion, the functions are Hi/Lo beam, PA (I guess this means pass), L/R turn and Horn.

However on my bike the Hi/Lo beam is on the existing RH switch and it looks like on the LH there was only L/R turn and horn.

I am guessing this may be down to differences between USA and UK models (interestingly writing on my bike switchgear (USA) is Red and on this (UK) sourced unit is Green - so maybe another clue there) and I am unsure how to go forward ---  I guess options are:-

1) Stick with newly sourced LH switch and just wire in turn and horn but that is going to look a bit stupid having a non function hi/lo beam on LHS

2) Try and source a UK RH assembly if indeed there is a difference in the UK/USA spec, however this will mean hacking the wiring to UK spec also I suspect

I have attached a pic of my newly sourced LH switchgear showing the writing colour and functions.

[paulbaker1954]

Just realised I may have answered my own problem  I think only difference is actually addition od a PASS function on UK models on LH switch. Interestingly anyone know why USA writing RED and UK GREEN.

Is the RH light switch always (USA and UK)
a) starter
b) lights --Sidelight--Headlight
c) Kill switch

Is the LH always

a) Horn
b) Hi/Lo Beam
c) Turn
d) Pass (UK Models only)

[Sami1987]

Left hand US is turn and horn only.

[jonda500]

I have never seen one like that on a 1972 CB500 four?

In Australia they have red writing like US

RH is always starter, killswitch, lights (off/low/high)
LH is always turn signals, horn/pass (there is no high/low beam switch on the left side!)
John

[Deltarider]

If you scroll down you'll find four pics that show the differences in handlebar switches on CB500/CB500K1 and CB500K2 respectively. The latter is the CB500K2 (ED, F, G) marketed in Europe around 1976. http://www.honda4fun.com/home/faq/generali/111-cb500-differenze-k0-k1-k2

[paulbaker1954]

Thanks Deltarider,
I now am convinced I just got ebay unlucky and the part was not really off a 1972 500 four as stated.

Anyway ony £10 so have now bought the correct LH switch for the US model which is just Turn and Horn.

I'll see if I can find out what the one I have is a re-ebay it with correct description.


Beware fleabay descriptions    AND think before buying 

[Deltarider]

Before you draw conclusions, you may consult the Parts List that covers your model. There were also differences between the 'A' (US) and other markets (area code in the part list) as far as the CB500/500K1.
cf. http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb500