Topic: Confirming the Craziness (lighting problems)

[Accolay]

On the 1977 CB550F...

When the main switch is in the ON position, the headlight, taillight, meter lights and running lights should be on right? The running lights are the turn signals? All four should be on?

And when the turn signal is on, Both signals for that side, front and back should be flashing? Right?

[bggann]

 Not sure on the 550 - on my 75 400, the running lights are only the front two.  The rear two are only turn signals.  Plus, the front running lights are only on in low beam position.  In high beam - they go off.  This is for power savings.  I suspect the 550 is the same since they both have limited alternator power.

So - turn the key on - it is
High beam, tail light (dim filiment), instrument lights.
or
Low beam, front running lights, tail light, instrument lights.

Bob

[TwoTired]

On the 1977 CB550F...

When the main switch is in the ON position, the headlight, taillight, meter lights and running lights should be on right?

yes

The running lights are the turn signals?

Front ones, yes.

All four should be on?

No.  Most states won't allow amber run lights on the rear of the vehicle.

A wire diagram for your bike will show you the front sigs are dual element and the rear sigs are single element.

And when the turn signal is on, Both signals for that side, front and back should be flashing? Right?

yes.

[Bodi]

To clarify the turn signal operation:
When the turn signals are on, the front marker light (the less bright one of the bulb's dual filaments) on that side goes off and the front signal light flashes along with the rear signal light.

[Accolay]

Thanks a lot guys. I've just been out there for a few hours. Thanks for the tip about the two filaments on the front lights TT. It appears there are different lights on the front than original. The diagram show three wires from the lights...only two on this one. No ground wire I guess. I hooked up a jumper ground and they work.