« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: 1978 cb550k ignition options  (Read 487 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline cgraham

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 29
1978 cb550k ignition options
« on: March 20, 2016, 02:29:30 PM »
The last thing I have to do on my 1978 cb550k is to figure out what to do with the big, bulky, oem ignition. I can't put it back in the original spot because I am using an aftermarket billet top triple, and also I would really like to hide it somewhere fairly discrete. I have been looking online and have not been able to find any kind of lower profile aftermarket ignitions for this bike (it has a rectangular plug, not square), is there a reason for this? I have seen many smaller options for different year cb550k's but not for my year - an example : ( http://4into1.com/honda-ignition-switch-square-plug-cb350f-cb360t-cb500k-cb550-cb750k/ ). Would it be possible to use one of these square switches and just remove the plugs and connect the necessary wires? Or possibly use a different type of switch? If not, what is so special about the big, bulky, oem ignition for my bike? Does it serve another function?

thank you!

Logged

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,100
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 cb550k ignition options
« Reply #1 on: March 20, 2016, 05:17:43 PM »
You can swap the plug type on both ends (switch side and harness side). Just avoid "Emgo" brand switches, they're crapola! you need to bear in mind how much amperage is running through the key switch when buying a replacement and be certain its rated for it, and wired with appropriate sized wire.
Logged
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Airborne 82nd

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 828
Re: 1978 cb550k ignition options
« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2016, 07:07:38 PM »
Quote from: calj737 on March 20, 2016, 05:17:43 PM
You can swap the plug type on both ends (switch side and harness side). Just avoid "Emgo" brand switches, they're crapola! you need to bear in mind how much amperage is running through the key switch when buying a replacement and be certain its rated for it, and wired with appropriate sized wire.

I agree however just to add. If you find one you really want and it is not rated for it then install a relay to handle the load & give the switch a break.
Logged

Online HondaMan

  • Someone took this pic of me before I became a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,023
  • ...not my choice, I was nicknamed...
    • Getting 'em Back on the Road
Re: 1978 cb550k ignition options
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2016, 08:06:56 PM »
Here's a hint on how to avoid the really bad EMGO switches out there: if it says, "Fits 350/360/450/500/550/750", it is the EMGO garbage. The ones for the CB500/550/750 WILL fit the earlier bikes, but are major overkill (and will last a VERY long time in that service), but the ones not from Honda will not survive the Fours.

Honda still sells them: you can use the one from the 1969-1976 CB750K0-K6, or the CB500/550K before 1975, same switch. ;)
« Last Edit: March 25, 2016, 03:33:02 PM by HondaMan »
Logged
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline RevDoc

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 556
Re: 1978 cb550k ignition options
« Reply #4 on: March 20, 2016, 10:01:28 PM »
Read the product description for the switch on the 4into1 web page and you will see that it states it is Emgo crap.
Logged
Dana

'78 CB550K--Angie
'82 CB750 Custom--Eva



As soon as you straddle a bike expect every other driver on the road to suddenly start competeing for the title "Dumbestsonofa#$%*inallNorthAmerica!!"
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »