Topic: key position

[Hussman]

can someone tell  me what is soppose to happen in certain key positions, I had to bring my 76 750f in for a safety and the machanic failed it based on the fact that the bike doesn't start in P position, I don't think its suppose to, if someone could tell me what lights are suppose to come on in certain key positions i would greatly aprreciate it.

[SteveD CB500F]

This has come up before:

The key should have three positions:
1. OFF
2. IGN - bike should run, key cannot be withdrawn.
3. PARK - park lights work, key can be withdrawn.
At least, that's how it works here (UK) - other markets may be different.

[Hussman]

it's for a North american bike, parking lights is that the tail light and the headlamp or just the tail light and for the ignition setting is the tail light suppose to be on when the bike is not running in this position

[Paul]

The "P" for park is only for when you need to nip into the shop for a minute in the dark.
It just keeps the rear light on so that the bike can be seen whilst parked.
If you are having issues with the mechanic as an extreme perhaps you could take a copy of the wiring diagram to show that ignition power is off and diverted only to the "Parking" light(s)

[Hussman]

and what about the tail light when the key is in the ignition position should be on when the bike is not running or only when it is running?

[SteveD CB500F]

Just another thought.

In the User Manual it will tell you exactly what the key positions are for. Show that to the mechanic - he can't argue then.

If you don't have one, they are usually available on eBay or even downloadable from this site (?)
Take a look under your seat. That's where they are kept. Yours might still be there! (Mine was...)

[SteveD CB500F]

and what about the tail light when the key is in the ignition position should be on when the bike is not running or only when it is running?

Don't know what the running light laws are like where you are.

In general:

"." (red dot) position on RH switch is lights off
"P" position on RH switch gives rear light and low wattage front "park" light
"H" position on RH switch gives low/high beam depending upon LH switch position

The lights should do whether the bike is running or not.

[Gordon]

and what about the tail light when the key is in the ignition position should be on when the bike is not running or only when it is running?

It depends on whether your headlight has an on/off switch or not.  The rear running light should be on whenever the headlight is on.

[SteveD CB500F]

Don't know what the running light laws are like where you are.

In general:

"." (red dot) position on RH switch is lights off
"P" position on RH switch gives rear light and low wattage front "park" light
"H" position on RH switch gives low/high beam depending upon LH switch position

The lights should do whether the bike is running or not.

Here are some pics of the UK switchgear.

Note the ">PA" on the horn switch - flashes the headlight if you push to the right (earlier post but can't find it anymore)

[cb650]

It should only have the tail lite on in keyed P position and not start.  Some of these guys can be real asses.
We dont have safety inspections but emissions check (cars only) and only one company can do them on 82 and newer.  Thats why all my cages are older.




                     Terry