Author Topic: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch  (Read 2597 times)

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Offline MoMo

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How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« on: April 17, 2011, 05:54:37 AM »
When you need to move your ignition switch from the inconvenient handlebar location to a more convenient location under the tank ??? ??? here is the proper procedure step by step as performed by the electrical wizard that utilized the technique on the 400 four I am working on:

1. Find the plug from the wire harness and cut it off, doesn't matter where because you'll be extending the wires anyway.

2. Remove switch from inconvenient upper location and discard.

3. Go to the junkyard and purchase an old lower mount switch and bracket.

4. It is important to only use one bolt to attach new switch and bracket to horn.

5. Strip wires from harness and new switch, then twist like colors together, wrap a couple of the connections with electrical tape, but not all :-\.  Then wrap entire new harness with black tape.

If you've followed these instructions you will be lucky enough to have a fine new ignition setup like this.......
« Last Edit: April 17, 2011, 08:19:32 AM by photolar »

Offline DarcyCB400F

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2011, 10:18:30 AM »
I really like this tip!
Could I do that to my bike even if I don't have any electrical tape? What if I just twisted the wires together all in one bundle? Would that be OK?
I need to go the junker for a switch if the switch off my ride' em mower won't come off with my hammer and pliers!
1977 CJ360T
1977 CB400F
1980 CB900 Custom
1981 GS550L
1989 DR200R
1998 VT1100C2 ACE
1999 XR400R
2006 CR230F
2007 HD Road King

Offline MoMo

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2011, 11:37:36 AM »
Yep, you can use it, and it would be even better if you left the wires unwrapped :P. That way the wires could intermittently ground against the frame.  Can you believe that fine wiring? I can't believe the bike actually ran and did not fry the electrical system...Larry

Offline MoMo

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2011, 09:20:31 PM »
It was posted under humor because it is farcical...I have fixed it and am waiting on a new switch.  The first Emgo failed the first time I tried to start the bike, hopefully the second will last a bit longer ::)...Larry

Offline Grnrngr

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2011, 05:12:49 PM »
personally, I prefer masking tape...
'72 CB750-K2 "PopCycle"
'73 CB750-K2 "Barney"
'77 CB750A   
'83 Virago 500 (red)
'83 Virago 500 (black)

"and so on and so on and scoobydoobydooby..oooooooshasha"  Sly Stone

Offline MoMo

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2011, 06:47:23 PM »
personally, I prefer masking tape...

Masking tape could work, might even be better because it is thinner than electrical and may wear through even faster and could possibly be conductive...Larry

Offline rklystron

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2011, 02:32:50 AM »
Personally I would use no tape. 1st of all it is overrated and adds additional weight.
1970 CB750 K0 (Bought in 73)
1972 XL250 (Bought new in 72)
1973 ST90 (Free)
1975 XL250 (Free)
1975 Rickman CR750
1982 CBX1000 Pro-link
1975 CB750 DRAG BIKE
1977 Custom Built CB750 Sturgis Bike (GL front end).
1977 CB750 F2 (Big Resto)
1977 CB750A (Auction Buy)
1978 CB750 K8 (My San Francisco ride)
1984 VFR750 (Bought New)

Offline Kwality

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2011, 06:30:30 AM »
Looks like the same fellow was the PO of my bike.  Similar work...

Offline MoMo

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Re: How to Rewire CB400f Ign.Switch
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2011, 04:07:01 AM »
Looks like the same fellow was the PO of my bike.  Similar work...


Oh, he really gets around-from USA to Australia.  I believe the name of his company is Fast Eddie's FlybyNight Wiring Service. He also does butchering on the side-both meat and bikes...Larry