Topic: Newbie, Having Trouble finding a neutral switch.

[jonahaustin]

I recently bought a 1976 550k2, it was disassembled when I bought it and the guy said he was in over his head (my gain!) I am completely new to building motorcycles but have worked on cars for years so I thought it would be pretty similar.  I have hooked up the new wiring harness and went to crank the bike for the first time... and.. nothing.... I quickly traced the problem to the missing neutral switch indicator.  I can find the two part numbers for the switch.
rotor 35753323000
stator indicator 35752323000
However, I can only find the rotor part online.  Can I bypass?  What can I do?  I'm stuck and my build was going so smoothly.
Any help from the experts would be much appreciated.

[geemann]

two options:
1) fix it correctly and start scouring ebay for parts, you may even wind up with a few spares.
2) use the wiring diagram to help you figure out how to bypass the sensor. the engine does not need the sensor to run correctly, it is just one of those sensors that is really helpful to have so that you don't accidently drop the clutch when you are trying to park it.

either way, get the manual if you have not done so already.

goodluck,
-g

[bryanj]

Any 500/550 switch will fit, expect to pay quite a bit for a new one as they have been obsoleted, i have a couple of new ones but to get them from UK to US will not be cheap

[dave500]

just bypass it,its a cafe racer!always check your in neutral before you hit the starter button,like the olden days.

[c(b)hris]

Not positive but I think it's the green wire with a red stripe in the headlight bucket...connect it to a ground and I think it'll start.  But I might be wrong.

Sure is useful to have that light though.  I did this to mine to rule it out when I had problems starting because I had been working on it before the problem.  Im hooking mine back up when I have a minute.

[jonahaustin]

Thanks everybody, I have gotten my hands on a neutral switch from a salvage yard.  Got it all together and still nothing.  Traced all points in the starter circuit for continuity and have found the possible culprit as possible faulty safety switch.  I found the wiring diagram in the Honda Workshop handbook.  And I'm just going to bypass it for now.  I've never had a neutral switch on my dirtbikes growing up and nothing bad happened (knock on wood).  I'll keep you all posted. Thank you so much for all your help.  I'm still working out all the electrical gremlins.

[dave500]

just out of interest you cant have these in gear with the clutch pulled in and kick start them,it will free wheel,the electric start will engage though.