Topic: Bike died while running when high beams switched turned on

[zcb350fb]

Guys. I have a 1973 cb350f. I was leaving my neighborhood to go on a ride. I was riding up my street and switched the high beams on while the bike was running. When i did that the bike quit running and lost all electrical. I cannot get the electric to come back on. Electrical is not my strong suit. Ive had the bike for a year and it has ran fine up to this point. Agin i am getting no electrical throughout the entire bike. No neutral light when the key is turned or anything. I am going to take a part the starter button/head light low hig housing on the handlebar to see what i can find there. If any of you can steer me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[zcb350fb]

Also the battery has a full charge. I charged it this morning

[Patrick]

Check your fuses. The draw from the high beam may have tripped an old one.

Patrick

[zcb350fb]

Where are the fuses located and how can i tell if one burnt out or not?

[Patrick]

I have not worked on your model of bike, specifically, so maybe someone can weigh in on the exact location of your fuse box. On most bikes of this vintage, it will be a small black box on the left side of the bike near the front of the seat. Correct era fuses are going to be glass tubes with a wire running through the middle. The wire melts when the fuse overloads, so look for a melted metal strip. Hondas in the 70s had either one single main fuse, or a three fuse set. The main fuse is the one that knocks everything out. That's the one you have to find, When you locate the fuse box, make sure the prongs that hold the fuse are clean and as shiny as you can get them. Corrosion can blow a fuse or just lose connection.

Patrick

[Flyin900]

Sounds like the main fuse was tripped and that is located in a plastic box under the left side cover. There are usually three fuses in there total with one for the main power and two others some secondary circuits. Could also be a wiring or connector corrosion issue, yet start with the fuses.
Owning a vintage bike requires some good knowledge of the overall workings, since at 45+ years old stuff will require regular maintenance and updates. So either you or a mechanic will be involved.

[piefairy]

I also agree, check the fuse.

If its good, then check wiring. I would say check the rec/reg and that the battery is taking a complete charge, but to go from running fine to flat dead that quick leads back to the fuse or a wiring issue.

[MoMo]

If it is directly related to the time the high beam was switched on, the blue wire feeding it may be shorted.  That would mean the main fuse would be bad.  Go to Harbor Freight and buy their cheap$4 meter if you do not own one...

[zcb350fb]

Thank you for the replies everyone
I found the main fuse and it was blown. Ill pop a new fuse in and see if that’s it. I will also stop by harbor freight. I love that place!

[MoMo]

Make sure you clean the fuse contacts really well.