Topic: Electrical Issue.

[KevinD]

I know this is the Honda forum but I have a question about electrical on a xs650.  I do have a 1975 cb550 as well and well this is the best group of helpful individuals on the net.  I could not get a response on the xs650 forum.  Here is my deal.  I am sure this runs across both bikes.

My electrical was fine on the bike but the PO did his own wiring and I noticed a little grey smoke upon starting, around the battery box but as I said on a 1975 XS650.  I am just wondering if anyone has a good starting point on troubleshooting.  I have a cheap ass harbor freight volt meter and was going to dig in this weekend.  I would have gone with the manual but the harness is modified.  I am thinking, look for any type of rotting or crisped wires to begin with but not sure what to really check step by step just to get the starter kicking in.  If this post is a problem I will remove and I apologize for posting on this forum.  Just looking for a little help.  Thanks for any and all info.

Kevin

[flybox1]

Complete a 3000mi tuneup, or similar for your model.
Should all be listed in the manual for your bike.

[madmtnmotors]

The moderators might move the thread to the "other bikes" section.

A voltmeter/ohmmeter, a.k.a. "multimeter" should be all you need...

along with some intestinal fortitude!


Since you are dealing with a "custom" harness all you can do is use the factory wiring diagram for reference and try to trace out the "custom" wiring. If the handlebar controls are stock then hopefully the wires from the handlebar controls are still stock colors. As for the custom wiring you might try to make your own diagram of what is there now. That is pretty much the only way unless the previous owner can provide a "custom" wiring diagram.

calj is the resident electrical guru, so if he can't sort it out no one can!

[Mantree]

What year is the xs

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[KevinD]

You guys rock!  From lunch - till the eject button, a ton of information.  I will check through it all when I get home.  Thanks again! 

[Mantree]

What year is the xs

... but as I said on a 1975 XS650.
Kevin

Oops missed that but that means that it is points ignition with very simple wiring and easy to redo if you absolutely have to do ground up

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[pmanning]

One of the first principles of electrical troubleshooting is once you let the smoke out you can't get it back in.  Smoke is usually an indication that something got fried.  Check carefully everything; components, connections, wiring around the battery box and see if anything looks melted, discolored or otherwise suspicious.

You didn't mention if the new wiring has a fuse or fuses in the system.  If so, did you pop a fuse?

If there are no fuses you will want to add at least a main fuse to your harness as you work through this.

And as mentioned, diagnosing with a multimeter will lead you to the source of your problem.  Keep in mind though that the smoke episode may have "burned clear" the voltage path to ground.  You may not now be able to find a direct short but you should be able to identify a failed component.

[CycleRanger]

I know this is the Honda forum but I have a question about electrical on a xs650.  I do have a 1975 cb550 as well and well this is the best group of helpful individuals on the net.  I could not get a response on the xs650 forum.  Here is my deal.  I am sure this runs across both bikes.

My electrical was fine on the bike but the PO did his own wiring and I noticed a little grey smoke upon starting, around the battery box but as I said on a 1975 XS650.  I am just wondering if anyone has a good starting point on troubleshooting.  I have a cheap ass harbor freight volt meter and was going to dig in this weekend.  I would have gone with the manual but the harness is modified.  I am thinking, look for any type of rotting or crisped wires to begin with but not sure what to really check step by step just to get the starter kicking in.  If this post is a problem I will remove and I apologize for posting on this forum.  Just looking for a little help.  Thanks for any and all info.

Kevin

Surprised no one piped up over at the XS forum.
Anyway, do you have the shop manual?
You can get it here:
https://thexscafedotcom.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/xs650-manuals/

Then check out the troubleshooting section here:
https://thexscafedotcom.wordpress.com/category/manuals/manual-workshop/

[madmtnmotors]

One of the first principles of electrical troubleshooting is once you let the smoke out you can't get it back in.

Sure you can, you just need the right tools:

http://www3.telus.net/bc_triumph_registry/smoke.htm

 

[Mantree]

One of the first principles of electrical troubleshooting is once you let the smoke out you can't get it back in.  Smoke is usually an indication that something got fried.  Check carefully everything; components, connections, wiring around the battery box and see if anything looks melted, discolored or otherwise suspicious.

You didn't mention if the new wiring has a fuse or fuses in the system.  If so, did you pop a fuse?

If there are no fuses you will want to add at least a main fuse to your harness as you work through this.

And as mentioned, diagnosing with a multimeter will lead you to the source of your problem.  Keep in mind though that the smoke episode may have "burned clear" the voltage path to ground.  You may not now be able to find a direct short but you should be able to identify a failed component.

And as we all know the smoke is what makes electricity work

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