Topic: '78 dead in the water....

[The Dude Abides]

Hi guys, a few days ago i pulled into my driveway on my lunch break and parked, after i went to leave again my motorcycle was completely dead. None of my lights were working, so i figured i would start with the battery, had it recharged at a local auto store, put it back in....nothing. I checked the main fuse....replaced it....still nothing. No lights, nothing. I can't get it to kick over either. This is my main mode of transportation and i need some advice on what to check next? I'm still a new owner and am still largely unfamiliar with the bike. After consulting my manual i think maybe it could be something with the ignition?

Has anyone else had this happen, where the bike is fine, and then just minutes later is completely dead in the water?

[Lars]

If battery is checked out and actually is good, check your grounding/connections. Then check if you have any currency before the main fuse, if good, check right after the mainfuse. Tells you if the fuse board is OK. Next I would check the key ignition unit.

This interactive link from OldHondaMan might be helpful - has been to me

http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/wiring.html

BTW - a 1978 what??

Lars

[The Dude Abides]

Thank you, i'll borrow a meter from a buddy and check those out. Thanks for the link/info.

Apologies, it's a '78 750F.

[aperry]

I had the weirdest issue last week where my bike would stall out each time I parked it (after 20-30 miles without an issue).  Happened three times in a row. Lights would go out and everything. Turns out my ignition switch cable was getting stretched when I turned the bars far enough to the left, which I only did while parking.  You might try wiggling that connector between ignition switch and harness. 

Though, Lars' advice is the real way to diagnose it.

[Xnavylfr]

If you can't figure it out , I live between Mocksville and Advance and may be able to run over and give you a hand!!
Contact me at chuckschoppers@yahoo.com and I'll give you my phone #

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

http://s465.photobucket.com/albums/rr20/Xnavylfr/?action=view&current=100_0565.jpg

Did you just recently buy this bike from a guy in the Farmington Dragstrip area? If so I know the bike!!

[flybox1]

go low tech and fast, first. (but yes, a melted fuse block is likely)
take your tank off, and your headlight out of the can.
turn your ignition on.
check all your block and pin connectors.  in your headlamp, under your tank, behind your side cover.
if you wiggle one, and your tree lights up...you found it.

[steam-powered man]

+1!

key on, look at the idiot lights while wiggling the white connector under the ignition switch.  mine wiggled loose one day and fark!  dead.   

[bollingball]

I checked the main fuse....replaced it
Well most people don't replace good fuses. So if the first one was bad did the second one go bad also? How did you test it


I can't get it to kick over either.

To not kick over (kick pedal) the motor is stuck or in gear or do you mean the electric starter will not work?

 You can buy a cheap meter for less than $15.00 good to have around.
 Try what steam said with out a meter that could point you the right way. The head and tail light have there own fuse so check the plug connector on the key sw. first. It would be the fastest without taking to much apart. But all the wiring needs to be checked out like fly said on your next day off.

[Trav-i]

I had a simillar issue last year, which left me standed about 80 miles or more from home with no tools.  The 77 and 78s have a notrious problem with the ignition switch at the base of the key switch.  It's a little tricky to get out (I suggest taking out the whole switch), look at the long prongs where the plug goes I willing to bet one or two are gonna be lose.  The best fix for this is to scuff the the exposed prongs with a rough scotch brite pad to expose clean brass, then use silver solder to firm up the connections at the rivets.  This should be done even if the prongs are not loose, because they will come loose at some point (usually at the worst possible time).

Good Luck

Travis

[The Dude Abides]

If you can't figure it out , I live between Mocksville and Advance and may be able to run over and give you a hand!!
Contact me at chuckschoppers@yahoo.com and I'll give you my phone #

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

http://s465.photobucket.com/albums/rr20/Xnavylfr/?action=view&current=100_0565.jpg

Did you just recently buy this bike from a guy in the Farmington Dragstrip area? If so I know the bike!!

I actually bought it a few months ago from a member on here located in Charlotte.


thanks for the advice everyone. I'll try a few things and report back.

[The Dude Abides]

Well, just an update....i found the culprit..... the white connector under the ignition switch had come unplugged, i guess when i parked and turned the bars. In the future, i'll know to check this first instead of the battery, fuses, etc. Thanks for the help everyone.

[Trav-i]

Glad you got it sorted out.