I may look into that. Ends up the parts shop was looking for the type of wiring that would go to a new ignition switch. The mechanic that has it at the moment says there is a 6 prong female plug for ignition on the bike. The parts shop I went to didn't have anything that matched exactly (meaning the right colors in the right places. They did have Honda igntion with a 6 Prong male base). Are there any suggestions on an aftermarket ignition switch that could possibly be installed on this bike? I am not finding any part (online or at a shop) that specifically says "fits cb450sc" from 1985. Anything I could adapt to the bike? I was hoping the mechanic I took it to would know how to do this but I am not getting much from them.
Thanks a bunch! David On Tuesday, August 12, 2014 10:44:53 AM UTC-7, Allen wrote: > > You might want to consider just getting another main harness rather than > try and figure out what the PO did. Often you can get one with the relays, > diodes, and such attached so you have spares. > > > http://www.ebay.com/sch/Motorcycle-Parts-/10063/i.html?_nkw=1985%20NIghthawk%20CB450SC%20wire%20harness&_trksid=p2050890.m1602 > > > On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 1:14 PM, David Goldstein <[email protected] > <javascript:>> wrote: > >> Thanks Kurt. I have the Clymer manual so will be taking a look at that >> for sure. I thought it was pretty amazing that I could start the bike by >> grounding the negative. I know so little about bikes I took it as a stroke >> of good luck that I could get it to start! I will definitely do a thorough >> inspection of the wire harness as I mentioned the previous owners did some >> "original' wiring. Gonna be a lot of learning and fun as it's my first >> bike. >> >> I appreciate the advice and suggestions a ton. >> >> David >> >> >> On Tuesday, August 12, 2014 6:00:05 AM UTC-7, Kurt Nolte wrote: >> >>> Allen continues his run of beating me to the punch with great advice. >>> >>> Look online for a service manual, if you don't already have one, and >>> become familiar with the wiring diagram. If the bike is currently started >>> by grounding a wire that's not in any way normal, and is a flag signaling >>> that you should make sure the rest of the harness is up to spec. >>> >>> Most of the work is purely visual checking, opening connectors to make >>> sure the contacts are in good shape, checking wires for open spots and >>> cracking. It's possible you'll find several other problems before you even >>> know they are problems! >>> >>> The other important thing while you're doing this is to inspect and >>> clean your ground points. Engine to frame, frame to battery, cluster and >>> lighting grounds; grounding problems are a huge source of electrical >>> frustration with older bikes, might as well tackle the bull while you >>> already have him down. >>> >>> We're here when you need more help, just drop a line. Allen will >>> probably beat me to it, but that's the way it works. >>> >>> -Kurt >>> >>> On Aug 12, 2014 7:35 AM, "Allen Thomas" <[email protected]> wrote: >>> > >>> > I think what they meant was check the wire harness for cut wires, >>> mouse chewing, dirty corroded connectors, etc. >>> > >>> > Allen Thomas >>> > >>> > -- >>> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. >>> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>> an email to [email protected]. >>> > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>> >>> > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers. >>> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>> >>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected] <javascript:>. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected] >> <javascript:>. >> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >> > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
