Topic: CB550 Ignition Replacement

[powderfinger77]

Hey Guys,

First post here, but have seen plenty that's helped me out along the way..

I've got a 1977 CB550 K3 in Australia that has a dodgy ignition. Initially I was going to replace it with an aftermarket replica one, but in the meantime I've replaced the headlight with something that has a larger bucket than the original, so the ignition no longer fits.... (oversight..)

I've not got to use a smaller ignition but can only find something suitable with 3 wires. My original ignition has 5 wires. I'm not exactly certain on what each wire does & the only wiring diagrams I can find are shown with 4 wires and not 5??...

Can someone tell me what each does? I'm aware the red & black connect to provide power, but I also have:

Brown
Brown/Black
Brown/White

I'm thinking one maybe the parker light which I can ditch, but how do I wire the remaining 4 wires (red, black, 2x brown) into a 3 wired ignition.

The options of the new ignition are: Off-Ignition-Light

Not sure what other info people may need to provide some advice?? But thanks to anyone that can point me in the right direction!

Cheers

[calj737]

RED is battery +(through a fuse from battery to key)
Solid BLACK is switched 12v to the harness. It ends up feeding handlebar switches, KILL/RUN, Regulator, etc.
Solid BROWN is used to power the Tail light (usually through a fuse after the key switch)
BRW/WHT is used to power the gauges and provide head light switch power (through a fuse after the key switch)

I'd suspect the BRW/BLK wire you have originally is routed through a Clutch Safety switch and on to the KILL?

Many aftermarket key switches are junk and not properly rated for the amperage that runs through them. A good idea is to install a relay to help control the power to them. This may also allow you to incorporate your extra wire(s) as you deem necessary to complete the modification.

[rickmoore24]

You can also find another stock ignition and relocate to the tree/handlebars area. I agree with the aftermarket switches being junk. Especially the EMGOs, I had one burn out on me inside of a month.