Topic: conFUSEd (CB550, CB550K1, CB550K2)

[Deltarider]

I don't know what difference the exact model makes when talking about a blown main fuse, as all Hondas have one, just like all people have ass-holes.
"Would help to know what year/model for diagnosis"

Scottly, there's more to these CB550 fuses than you might think. You probably know ALL CB550s have three fuses and not just one. But there's more. It looks like there is an error in the Honda wiring diagrams, both in the Owner's Manuals as well as in the Shop Manual Honda CB500-550. In all these schemes the 15A (Main) fuse is depicted in the middle position. Now my bike, a CB500K2-ED also has these three fuses, but in spite of similar wiring diagrams that cover my model, the 15A fuse actually is in the last position, closest to the rear and that's where it should be. So the fuse box's cover and its grommet (see pics below) have it right, indicating the order: 5A, 7A, 15A and all three wiring diagrams (ED, F, G) by Honda (!) are, well confusing to say the least.
According to the combined CB550, CB5501, CB550K2 parts list*, these three CB550 models all have exactly the same fuse box cover and grommet as my model CB500 has. Now if you would follow Honda's diagrams - let's assume your fuse box cover is missing - and fit the 15A in the middle, then that it is not much of a problem, however if you would as a consequence fit the 7A fuse in the wrong position, there's a good chance it will blow. Not every 45 year old CB550 has that informative fuse box cover still there... If you (or anyone) would have the fuses mixed up and have a fuse blown leaving you wonder why, wouldn't you like to know? Forsaid CB550 models were not imported in Europe, so for verification we depend on feedback from US members.
Finally, you and I have been here long enough to understand that info is not supposed to exclusively go one way... Let's wait and see if US CB550 owners are willing to communicate what situation they have on their model**.  I'm confident that can be done without referring to body parts and without calling each other names. Thank you very much.
*page F12 in: http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_parts_list/pdf_spac550/CB550-K0-K1-K2/CB550-K0-K1-K2_08.pdf
** This concerns the models CB550(K), CB550K1 or CB550K2.

[jlh3rd]

my 75 550f shows the 15a in the last position,left to right....then the spare....the cover is unmarked.

[Deltarider]

The 'F' models can hardly cause confusion. I mean, it is in writing in the box and at least the order is consistent with the order shown in the Owner's Manuals and Honda Shop Manual. It is the 'K' models* that are misrepresented in the wiring diagrams (by Honda!)
But thanks for posting anyway.
*CB550(K), CB550K1 and CB550K2

[scottly]

I'm confident that can de done without referring to body parts and without calling each other names. Thank you very much.

While I did refer to body parts to make a point about the commonality of main fuses, I did not call Brian or you names? The OP in that thread stated a sudden loss of all electrical power. The first, and most logical suggestion, was to check the main fuse, which is what the problem actually was. The OP had no problem identifying which fuse was the main..   

[seanbarney41]

I have a K1...I will have to remember to take a look and post.

[Deltarider]

Please do. Anyone else? In short: CB550K-K1-K2 owners, in what position do you have the main fuse?

[ekpent]

Please do. Anyone else? In short: CB550K-K1-K2 owners, in what position do you have the main fuse?

What year are those in the USA . I've got a brown 1976 but don't know what "K" that would be.

[jlh3rd]

this is honda USA designations.

[jonda500]

Both of my Australian CB500 Four's (K1's I think) have only one fuse (no fuse box) with a spare in the tool tray/air box cover.
John

[bryanj]

Ekpent, you work it out from frame number and id book to be precise or if it has a vin plate it will give month of build and late in year can easily be next years model, colour means nowt as its easy to change, Honda cant tell you what colour a bike left the factory

[Deltarider]

Please do. Anyone else? In short: CB550K-K1-K2 owners, in what position do you have the main fuse?

What year are those in the USA . I've got a brown 1976 but don't know what "K" that would be.

Most probably a CB550K2, in US aka CB550K76. So, yours is in the category.

[Deltarider]

Both of my Australian CB500 Four's (K1's I think) have only one fuse (no fuse box) with a spare in the tool tray/air box cover.
John

As far as the CB500, only the European K2 is in the category. That one I already know.

[Deltarider]

Please do. Anyone else? In short: CB550K-K1-K2 owners, in what position do you have the main fuse?

What year are those in the USA . I've got a brown 1976 but don't know what "K" that would be.

According to p.A3 of the CB550, CB550K1, CB550K2 Parts list*, the
CB550K2 had:
Engine No. CB550E-1067334 and subsequent,
Frame No. CB550-1230001 and subsequent. This model only came in: Candy Garnet Brown
CB550K1:
Engine No. CB550E-1029182 -
Frame No. CB550-1200001 -
CB550K:
Engine No. CB550E-1000001 -
Frame No. CB550-1000001 -
*http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_parts_list/pdf_spac550/CB550-K0-K1-K2/CB550-K0-K1-K2_01.pdf

[jlh3rd]

this 550K1 hasn't been touched for decades, stored as is. The main fuse is last, ( left to right) and the fuse type is listed under the fuse and the cover is also listed in the correct order. The cover can only be put on one way...My clymer book is wrong as you stated.

[bryanj]

Clymer wrong? What a surprise

[jlh3rd]

Clymer wrong? What a surprise

no more wrong than the honda owner's manual and the honda shop manual....which is why the clymer book is probably wrong.

[ekpent]

 If you look at a official colored wiring schematic of a K6 750 like I was recently the starter button is called "horn"   

[Deltarider]

... and the fuse type is listed under the fuse... 

Ha, you beat me! I had not detected yet that it is also in writing under the fuse. So the correct order is and on the cover, and on the grommet for the spares and where you have found it. Three in total. It is almost as Honda wanted to make good for the confusion their wiring diagrams could cause. Let's hope that owners of bikes where the cover is missing, do not consult the wiring diagram when they have a fuse blown, but have a close look at the fuse box instead. Thanks jlhrd!

[bryanj]

Honda dont make mistakes, after all the 500 does need 4 selector forks doesnt it.
Having used Haynes, clymer and genuine manuals for years all i will say is there are less glaring faults in genuine and most of those that are there are mis translation or mis reading.

[jlh3rd]

yep...this is why it can  be hard to answer some questions.....

[jlh3rd]

... and the fuse type is listed under the fuse... 

Ha, you beat me! I had not detected yet that it is also in writing under the fuse. So the correct order is and on the cover, and on the grommet for the spares and where you have found it. Three in total. It is almost as Honda wanted to errase once and for all the error they had made in the wiring diagrams. Let's hope that owners of bikes where the cover is missing, do not consult the wiring diagram when a fuse blows, but have a close look at the fuse box instead. Thanks jlhrd!

sure...actually....I enjoy the research....lots of hidden facts with honda..

[Gman]

Mine is identical to jlh3rd.

'76 Cb550k

[Deltarider]

Mine is identical to jlh3rd.
'76 Cb550k

Thanks for looking and confirming.

Honda dont make mistakes...

Well, I must admit I have modified my previous posts somewhat. After all, these are wiring diagrams and they always abstract somewhat. Maybe Honda thought it looked better without an extra crossing of wires. Anyway, as long as owners follow the order at the fuse box itself, they are safe.

[bryanj]

That was said VERY tongue in cheek Delta

[PeWe]

I visited a friend that was working on a CB550 with strange electrical errors like headlight constantly on.

Finally the reason was visible, visually when the measurements indicated something strange in that region with help of the diagram and voltmeter.

- A fuse sat wrong, it sat between 2 fuse posts, making a short between 2 circuits.

It was like the picture above, horisontal fuse box.

The owner did not realize what happened when he added a fuse or just sat it wrong.

[Deltarider]

Actually Honda does make some mistakes*, one category excepted: the CB500-550 parts lists. So far I have detected only one part... mwah... dubious, but that particular list is an American Honda edition. 
* I should make a list of the ones I have seen.

[bryanj]

Like i said do you know of a 500 with 4 gear selectors?