Topic: Bike keeps trying to start itself after kill switch

[jyck]

My cb550 started doing something weird today.  During low idle RPMs I could hear the starter going, but went away when driving at higher RPMs.  Then after I hit the kill switch, the starter keeps going, like I'm pushing the starter button (though I'm not).

Then I kill the bike at the ignition.  Shuts off.  I turn it back on.  Lights come on, no starter noise.  Turn kill switch to on, hit the starter button and it starts right up, but can still hear the starter going at idle.

Ideas?

[TwoTired]

I'll play. 

I have this idea that there are two different models (F/K) and 5 different year models of CB550 among those.  (And at least 5 different wire diagrams to apply.)

...And, we don't know if your bike is in stock configuration or if it is now styled in the fashion of those in a Mad Max movie.

But, to answer your question, it sounds like a wiring/connection fault.  Or, maybe the stater button has crumbled inside the control module (depends on model).

[jimbojangles]

This happened to mine. The wire connecting to the starter button had come loose and grounded itself inside the right hand controls. It was an easy fix with a little solder.

[skamagedon]

+1 on the mangled start button

[jyck]

Sorry, it's a '76 cb550k. If it was the starter module, wouldn't it begin cranking as soon as I turned the ignition on?  Same if the solenoid was stuck.

[jyck]

I'll open it up and take a look tonight. Thanks guys!

[TwoTired]

Sorry, it's a '76 cb550k.

In that case, it probably isn't in the switch module.
Look behind the headlight bucket.  Probably somebody has switched a black with a black/white wire connection.  Or you have chafed wires inside your bars.  (stock?)
You still have the starter motor safety unit?

[bollingball]

I think you might find the problem in the start button or start solenoid or the wires close buy one of them. either way it is a simple circuit and should be easy to trace with the correct wiring diagram like TT said you need the correct one for your Unmodified bike. It way still be making the noise at higher RPM's but harder to hear.Sounds like the circuit is being closed intermittently buy a bad connection in one of those two parts. Sol is easy to get to when it does this tap it with a screwdriver handle. then go to the button.

[jyck]

Fixed.  When I got back on the bike to go home the bike turned over as soon as I turned the key, so it appeared to be getting worse.  I opened up the RH assembly and found the starter button spring had somehow busted through the back.  One tiny washer and some plumber's putty did the job.

Thanks, Everyone!