Topic: CB750K1 - Headlight Switch Question

[Johnie]

On the K1 right hand headlight switch there is a place to shut the headlight off.  Mine will not shut off and that is how it was when I got the bike in March.  Starts and runs fine.  When I had the switch out I cleaned and used dielectric grease on the contacts as it was stiff.  Expected the switch to work when installed.  What turns this off?  Is it in the contacts, or does the switch ground itself on something when moved to that position.  Appears to be 3 contacts there.  Thanks...  

[Kevin D]

Lights should be off at the left side dot = no continuity from black(hot) to brn/wht (gauges>tail), white(low) or blue(hi). Just like the K0 except for the throttle cables.

My switch has a spot midway between hi and lo where both beams are on.

http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/wiring750K1.html

[Johnie]

So what would cause the light to remain on when switch is to the left? 

[Gordon]

So what would cause the light to remain on when switch is to the left? 

The switch isn't moving far enough to break the connection with the low beam contact.  Open up the switch housing and watch it closely while moving the switch back and forth and you'll probably be able to see what's causing the problem. 

[Don R]

  On mine the end was broken on the sliding switch, the contacts inside didn't follow the cover when it slid back and forth. I took another junk one apart and traded out the switch.
  
  My previous bikes had a spot where the high and low beams would both be on at the same time. The dealer told me it was so there was no spot where the light would go out when switching.

[Spanner 1]

Your gold K1 is my screensaver!!..not many guys I'd tell that to !!! +1 with last post...looks like the sliding contacts in the switch are not quite moving enough to come off the low beam contacts when moved to 'off'......

[Don R]

Yeah, what he said.

[Johnie]

Your gold K1 is my screensaver!!..not many guys I'd tell that to !!! +1 with last post...looks like the sliding contacts in the switch are not quite moving enough to come off the low beam contacts when moved to 'off'......

Thanks spanner I appreciate the comment.  I will take a look guys as it sounds like the switch is not moving to the left far enough.  Thank for the input.

[bryanj]

Sometimes there was an on/off switch on the LH bar that overides that dot position as Honda found it was too easy to straight from main to off, which they decided was not a good idea when riding fast on twisty back roads!!

[tomkimberly]

This one is simple, press down on the lever and it will slide all the way to the left. The slot is stepped.


Tom

[Johnie]

This one is simple, press down on the lever and it will slide all the way to the left. The slot is stepped.


Tom

I am able to move the switch all the way to the left to the "off" position.  That lever works fine.  Just that when it is all the way to the left or "off" position the low beam stays on.  I will have to open it up and see why the contacts are not moving far enough to the left.

[Gordon]

I am able to move the switch all the way to the left to the "off" position.  That lever works fine.  Just that when it is all the way to the left or "off" position the low beam stays on.  I will have to open it up and see why the contacts are not moving far enough to the left.

Things can get really loose inside there after decades of use.  I have a feeling the switch contacts are moving a little bit along with the switch lever. 

[754]

Might not be just age..

 In the 70,s we found that running a higher output headlight, usually caused parts of the switch to start to melt.

To prevent this, it is better to run a relay for the light.

Main problem here is the switch cant handle any excess strain over the stock requirements.