Topic: 1978 CB550: Turning key to off does nothing

[algreene]

Was out on a ride yesterday, stopped to fill up my tank. With the bike running I stopped the engine with the kill switch, and the engine stopped. But when I turned the key to 'off', nothing happened. Lights stay on. I ended up riding back home and just disconnecting the battery. I can have my handlebars locked with the bike still running... 

None of the wires on the bike look to be disconnected. I searched but couldn't find others with similar problems. Might I need to replace my ignition switch?

[kerryb]

I'm asking because I'm planning for the impending day of my own ignition switch failure...   would an Emgo ignition switch combined with a relay system such as that offered by Hondaman solve this problem.  By using the relays for lights, start switch and maybe turn signals reduce the current through the Emgo switch far enough for the switch to survive a reasonable length of time? 

[algreene]

Your ignition switch is faulty. Beware of cheap Emgo brand units as replacements too. They are under-rated for the amperage that runs through them and are prone to failure quite promptly.

Do you have a recommended alternative?