Topic: 1971 Honda Cb500 four electric start not working

[bdillworth]

Recently just got this beauty cb500 four running by kickstarting it. The push electric start will not engage.. does not even make a sound. I arched the solenoid (touched both bolts together with a screw driver) and it started up. Any idea what might be wrong with the electric push start button? No contact?

[DH]

The yellow/red wire on the solenoid passes thru an eight wire "gang connector", and also a single wire connection in the headlight shell on its way to the starter button. The button grounds the solinoid when pressed, operating the starter. Check for a disconnected or dirty connection for that circuit inside the headlight shell AND the 8 wire connector. The connectors tend to corrode from dirt and moisture. Could be broken wire, defective solenoid, starter button, or button not grounding as well.

edit  Might be another single connector in yellow/red wire just off solenoid. Check it too.

[bdillworth]

Thank you guys ill will try with the information you gave me. Sounds like were are in the right area. New to the forum and love it already.

[Gene]

Ignore the electric start - a bike like that you should always kick to life