Topic: 1973 CB750k3 - Running Light(s) Problem

[MikeyD]

I have just resurected a 1973 CB750 that I have owned since 1974. I took this bike down to the frame and basically started "over" replacing and refurbishing parts.  The final portion is the electrical which I have completed (and is operating) - except for the front running lights.  I can't tell you how many fuses I have gone through trying to attach two lousy wires(one from each of the front lights).  I have gone through different wiring diagrams with no result.  Can anyone out there help me on this??  I am considering buying stock in any company that makes 15 a. fuses.  Thanks ....

[Dennis]

Without being there to see what you are doing, and assuming that you are hooking up correctly, there is only one thing I can think of .....
Have you checked the lamps and the leads for damage which can cause an electrical  short?
That's all I can think of with the small amount of information which you gave us.

[Hondalubr]

Have you tried testing the light sockets with an ohm meter? from the center pin to ground with no wires hooked up it should read open. If not that is your culprit. Also did you use a large enough guage wire for the bulbs? Test this by removing the wire from the light socket, remove the bulb, and ground the outer metal portion to the frame or ground on the battery. then touch the wire to the center pin on the bulb. If the bulb lights, then you probably have a short in your light socket, if it blows the fuse, then you have too small of wire feeding the voltage to your socket.
Good luck!
Hondalubr

[bryanj]

Now this may seem a silly question but did the 73 have running lights? I thought they came later with the extra large blinkers. There ought to be a blue with white tracer and an orange with white tracer wich is where you hook the running lights up to. There should also be these coulours going to the LH switchgear. Hope that helps.

[MikeDeB]

From the K3 on in the US they had running lights.

[MikeyD]

WOW!! I didn't think I would get so many responses is such a short time!  Thanks all!  Just to clarify a little further, the only remaining wires left to connect are (1) wire each (black) from the left side and right side blinkers.  I have tried to follow the wiring diagram and have plugged one of the wires into an open connector that has a light blue wire going in.  This is where I keep blowing fuses.  Can I assume that both wires (the black ones from the blinkers) are both 'hot'?  I haven't been able to find an open 'orange' connector as yet, but I'm still looking.  Is there an alternative connection that I could possibly make (splicing if necessary) to make the running lights work when the headlights are on?  Adding to the mix here,I do have a  6" rise handle bar which makes separating the wire bundle inside the headlight bucket difficult which adds to to the problem.  And lastly, does it make a difference if I attach the left blinker wire to orange and right to light blue or vice versa?  Thanks again for all your help ....

Mike D.