Topic: Wiring harness ?

[creed]

Hello ladies and Gents,

     My question is can I use a cb500 wiring harness for a cb550 and should I? Thanks, and much appreciated!

[calj737]

They’re pretty similar but depending upon model year of the 550 and the market (US, EU, etc) there are differences. Also, the connectors under the left side cover for the 500 are sometimes round, but always rectangular on the 550. You can swap the connectors as the wiring is still consistent.

Almost all differences can be overcome with a bit of fiddling.

[creed]

So should I just stick with the 550 harnesses? what items are you losing by going with a 500 harness? thank you for your time. This is my first build so it's a little nerve wracking.

[calj737]

What year is your 500, and is it a US model? What year donor harness are you looking at?

And again, it can all work, you just might not have a “plug and play” situation. Compatible, yes, but might require some adaptations.

[creed]

1974 cb550 US model but would like to simplify it and was told a cb500 harness would work fine. Thanks for response.

[calj737]

A 500 harness will work, except you may have the round connectors for the left side panel. Can you explain what “simplification” you are intending.

[creed]

Neutral safety relay gone for sure, tach and speedo combined and I'm not sure if I am going to go with a single led taillight with all functions in one light. I am also getting rec/reg together. Thanks again for your reply

[calj737]

I’m not sure I’d eliminate the Neutral Safety. There are far too many folks (beginner and experienced) that have dropped bikes by pushing the electric start while in gear.

Might give that a second thought…

[creed]

I will reconsider and will look into options as far as a wiring harness. I would like to go with the mu unit, but man those are expensive. Thanks for the input! I'm sure I will be bothering you again.