Topic: 74 CB550 right hand switch

[opp750]

I had to replace the right-hand switch on my 74 CB550. I don't know if the old controls were original (6 wires) but the replacement right-hand switch has 9 wires. I can connect the same color wires to were the last ones went but I have 3 new colors: 1) Solid Yellow 2)White with a Yellow stripe 3) Brown with a Blue Stripe 4) A second Black, and the new switch is missing the Brown with the White stripe that the old switch had. Is this switch usable?

I stupidly spent the time to strip and polish the switch housing it so I really hope it will work.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[bryanj]

I take it this is an aftermarket switch and has a lights on off switch, if so do uou have a multimeter and can you use it?

[opp750]

I believe it is an original Honda part but maybe from a different bike? eBay listing said cb550. The switch has the large red (Run-Off-Run) switch, the (Off-On) slider switch, and the push button (Start) button. Image attached.

I do have a multimeter although I've never used one. I'm using this bike to teach myself.

[jlh3rd]

well, every rt hand switch i've ever seen on a 1974 550 , USA shipped bike has had a black housing. So maybe that is a superseded "oem " honda part for later years that fits earlier bikes. If it is, then maybe you can find the wiring diagram for that year  switch and determine what wires are what. Also, i don't remember when the headlight law came into effect but my 75 F model does not have an on/off switch as the headlight was on all the time. So, i don't know what you might have, it could even be for earlier bikes than 1974..

[sixthwisconsin]

1974 was the last year with the headlight on/off switch i believe. What you took off is correct except it should have two black wires. Yours was probably merged up in the housing or something.

Heres one I have:



Wiring:



Not sure what your new one is from but nice job polishing it!

[opp750]

Yah I was hoping someone would chime in and know where the attached circled wires could be connected to.
I'm not ready to give up and purchase and polish a new switch again although that might be the smart decision.

Thanks for the responses.

[bryanj]

Did the original switch have the lights on/off part on it?

[sixthwisconsin]

Here is the wiring diagram for the 550k0.
I noticed your "old" switch wire connectors are not OEM so I'm thinking what you took off was not original? I know I'm not answering your question but you are going to have to open up the new switch and see where those wires go.

Make it like the wiring diagram and you should be good to go for the 550k0.

[opp750]

bryanj - The old switch did have the on/off switch although I'm not sure if it was the original because the switch was the type where the wires ran on the outside of the handlebars and the left controls ran through them.

[bryanj]

The colours you have dont seem to be Honda standars to me. If you go to the UK site there is a poster called matz (i think) who has done a colour diagram for the 400 whichbshould be similar and easier for you to follow.

[Bchavez2009]

Having same issue with my 75 CB550K1, 6 wires in the old controller and 9 in the new controller, same colored wires you mentioned.  Did you get it running right?

[Bchavez2009]

Having the same issue with my 75 CB550. Adding A 750 rights side switch to my CB550 and running into 3 extra wires exactly like you. How did you fix it?

[Bankerdanny]

I've never seen a 550 with headlight controls on the right switch,  only 750's.

[Bchavez2009]

Yes, I think it is a 750 switch, trying to make it work with a CB550

Thanks
Brian

[bryanj]

It can be done but long distance electrics is not easy if you can follow directions and not wander off on a tangent email me direct to address in profile (not pm) and i will give you specific tests for you to report back on.

Remember the time difference to me in UK and realise this will take many emails