Topic: Frankenswitches-- What's Right????

[Popwood]

The question is this: on a '75 750k, should the front turn signal lights be on when the headlight is switched on (yes, the blink properly using the turn signal switch)?

Now I say '75 because that's what the serial number indicates. However, the owner's manual the came with is for a '76. In the owner's manual, the photo of the right side handlebar switch shows no headlight switch whatsoever so I'm thinking that model started with the headlight on whenever ignition switch is on?  That switch is obviously a replacement because the finish looks nearly new.

What got me thinking about this is my '75 550k. Now I do very little riding after dark, but the other night I note the front indicator lights are on when the headlight switch is on. The owner's manual says this is correct.

So what's up with the '750? My only real concern is best safety practice. Should the front indicators burn whenever the headlight is on, or not. Or, maybe it's not really a concern at all. Just trying to sort it out.

[Spanner 1]

Both 750K5 and K6 have the front signal running lights, some folks disconnect them in the headlight bucket tho'.......( Blue/white and Orange/white), and yes, they are wired to come on with the headlight......

[Popwood]

Thanks, Cycleranger. Maybe we will get this lights on/lights off question cleared up here. And good suggestion on pdfing the '76 owner's manual. I was looking through the "manuals" section here tonight and didn't see one-- in fact there are very few owner's manuals offered. There should be a concerted effort to get these up! Sometimes they can be more helpful than the shop manual (IMHO). That said, Einyodeler (sp?) has done an amazing job posting all the manuals already there-- thanks man, I've got a lot from your efforts. Now it can my my turn to give back. What's the best way to go about this? I can get the pdfs made, but what about getting them posted?

[Popwood]

Spanner-- thanks, so much. That answers the question and really appreciate help with identifying wire colors and where to find them. Appreciate it!

[CycleRanger]

Both 750K5 and K6 have the front signal running lights, some folks disconnect them in the headlight bucket tho'.......( Blue/white and Orange/white), and yes, they are wired to come on with the headlight......

Great, something else that needs to be fixed.    The list keeps growing. 
I haven't cracked open my headlight yet but I know the previous owner replaced the wiring harness..... Hmm.

Popwood, you scan that manual and I'm sure we can figure out how to get the file hosted somewhere.

[HondaMan]

Both 750K5 and K6 have the front signal running lights, some folks disconnect them in the headlight bucket tho'.......( Blue/white and Orange/white), and yes, they are wired to come on with the headlight......

Great, something else that needs to be fixed.    The list keeps growing. 
I haven't cracked open my headlight yet but I know the previous owner replaced the wiring harness..... Hmm.

Popwood, you scan that manual and I'm sure we can figure out how to get the file hosted somewhere.

You can lighten the alternator's load by disconnecting the running lights: this is a popular thing to do if you have a halogen headlight, as it keeps the battery healthier. Many riders  did. It also reduces the front glare in your eyes from the orange front globes on lonely night country roads at 100 MPH, chasing the Chevelle who just ried to run you down...oops, wrong post for that story..

[Popwood]

Thanks, Hondaman. So it seems more a matter of personal choice and not so much a real safety concern.

And Cycleranger, I'll get that owner's manual scanned and just email to Einyodeler who looks after the manual section in the FAQs.

[HondaMan]

One thing I've discovered pretty recently: on the K4 and later 750, the rocker-style START switch is rated for 5 amps.

A typical halogen headlight on HI draws all of this, and this current passes through the START rocker when the button is not pressed (it's a toggle switch that disconnects the headlight while the starter is engaged). Over time, a halogen headlight will spell the destruction of the START switch by warping (melting) the plastic housing on the switch itself, and they are not replaceable items.

So, I just came up with an idea last month, now becoming a "kit", where a relay is added inside the headlight that follows the START button. I'll be adding it into an F2 that I'm refurbishing for someone. This carries the headlight current through it instead of the switch, so the switch can ride on...this function would be especially important if someone installs an HID headlight: their startup current can reach 11 amps, which will quickly damage the START switch on the later bikes. A relay is certainly in order for those headlights, even though their running current is only in the 3 amp range.

For those of you who want to roll your own: get a 5-terminal automotive relay (the little 1" cube variety, of which I now have 50 in a big box..) and connect the START wire from the right switch to the coil (and GREEN to the other side). Connect the STARTwire from the switch to the NO contact and the headlight power wire (BLACK/WHITE or BLACK/YELLOW on different models) that goes to the left HI/LO switch to the NC contact. This will keep all functions the same, but will deliver all the grunt work through a $7 relay instead of a $90 switch.
 

[CycleRanger]

You can lighten the alternator's load by disconnecting the running lights: this is a popular thing to do if you have a halogen headlight, as it keeps the battery healthier. Many riders did. It also reduces the front glare in your eyes from the orange front globes on lonely night country roads at 100 MPH, chasing the Chevelle who just tried to run you down...oops, wrong post for that story..

Great electrical advice as always!  Thanks!

You'll have to tell us how that story ended sometime.