Beatrice Lang
Honda has an early (Pre-1973) and a late (Post-1974) version of the electric starter circuit. The early version of the circuit has no safety switches, meaning the electric starter can be engaged when the motorcycle is in gear, causing it to lurch forward. The late version includes safety switches, which prevent the electric starter from being engaged when the motorcycle is in gear. The 1973 Honda CB550 is mentioned in relation to electric starters in several sources, suggesting that this model did indeed have an electric starter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric starter circuit | Exists |
| Safety switches | No |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The 1973 Honda CB550 had an electric starter motor
The early electric starter circuit can be intimidating to approach due to its inclusion of high voltage and a solenoid. However, it is essentially made up of a few wires and switches. In this early version of the circuit, there are no safety switches, meaning that the electric starter can be engaged when the motorcycle is in gear, causing it to lurch forward.
The electric starter motor grounds through the metal casing directly to the engine. When the activation side of the starter solenoid is triggered by the depression of the start button, the starter solenoid will bridge the current between the two large posts on the top of the solenoid. This connects the positive cable that runs from the battery to the solenoid directly to the positive cable that runs down the frame, under the engine, and up to the positive bolt on the electric starter.
The ground connection makes its way from the frame to the bottom of the handlebar riser with the help of a small jumper wire. Once on the handlebar riser, the ground travels from the riser, to the handlebar, and to the right handlebar switch. When the starter button is depressed, the current connects to the yellow wire with a red stripe and then travels down the wiring harness to the starter solenoid next to the battery.
The 1973 Honda CB550's electric starter motor can be found for sale online, indicating that this feature was definitely present in the 1973 model.
Tax Breaks for Electric Car Buyers: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The early electric starter circuit (pre-1973)
The early electric starter circuit in vintage Honda motorcycles (pre-1973) can be intimidating to approach due to its high voltage and inclusion of a solenoid. However, it is essentially made up of a few wires and switches. This early version of the circuit has no safety switches, which means the electric starter can be engaged when the motorcycle is in gear, causing it to lurch forward.
To understand the early electric starter circuit, it is important to know the ground circuit. A ground connection is made through the handlebars, with the help of a small jumper wire. The ground connection travels from the frame to the handlebar riser, then to the handlebar, and finally to the right handlebar switch. When the starter button is pressed, the current connects to the yellow wire with a red stripe and travels down the wiring harness to the starter solenoid next to the battery.
The activation side of the starter solenoid is triggered when the start button is pressed. This bridges the current between the two large posts on the top of the solenoid, connecting the positive cable from the battery to the solenoid, and the positive cable that runs down the frame, under the engine, and up to the positive bolt on the electric starter. The starter motor grounds through the metal casing directly to the engine and then engages, turning over the engine.
To test the early electric starter circuit, connect the alligator clip on the test light to the ground of the battery. Touch the probe end to the post on the electric starter that you disconnected and press the start button. The test light should turn on, and an audible click should be heard, indicating that the solenoid is transferring the 12v positive current from the ground to the starter motor correctly. If the test light does not turn on or an audible click is not heard, there is likely an internal issue with the starter solenoid, and it may need to be replaced.
Electric Ethernet Wall Ports: Power or No Power?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The late electric starter safety switch circuit (post-1974)
The late electric starter safety switch circuit in vintage Honda motorcycles (post-1974) is a complex circuit system. It is an improved version of the early electric starter circuit (pre-1973), which lacked safety switches, allowing the motorcycle to be engaged in gear and causing it to lurch forward.
The late electric starter circuit includes safety switches that prevent the electric starter from being engaged when the motorcycle is in gear. To activate the starter motor, the motorcycle must be in neutral or have the clutch lever pulled. This safety feature ensures that the motorcycle does not move abruptly when starting.
The circuit's complexity arises from its function of temporarily redirecting a significant amount of current to the electric starter while the motorcycle is starting. This process involves the interaction of various components, including the starter solenoid, the positive cables, the battery, and the ground circuit.
The starter solenoid plays a crucial role in the circuit. When the start button is pressed, the activation side of the solenoid is triggered, bridging the current between the two large posts on its top. This action connects the positive cable from the battery to the solenoid and further down to the positive bolt on the electric starter. The starter motor then grounds through the engine's metal casing, leading to the engine turning over.
Additionally, certain versions of these vintage Honda motorcycles feature an always-on headlight that momentarily turns off when the starter motor is engaged. This temporary redirection of current ensures that as much power as possible is directed to the electric starter during the motorcycle's ignition process.
Marv's Electric Chair Survival: Unraveling the Mystery
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ground circuit on a vintage Honda motorcycle
The ground circuit is an essential aspect of the electrical system in vintage Honda motorcycles, particularly those with early electric starter circuits (pre-1973 models). Understanding the ground circuit is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring the proper functioning of the motorcycle's electrical components.
Ground Circuit Basics:
The ground circuit in vintage Honda motorcycles serves as the return path for electrical current, completing the circuit and allowing various components to function properly. Most of the metal on these motorcycles is grounded, providing a path for the current to flow back to the battery or engine.
Ground Connection Through Handlebars:
In vintage Honda motorcycles, the ground connection often includes a path through the handlebars. A small jumper wire assists in establishing a ground connection from the frame to the bottom of the handlebar riser. From there, the ground continues to the handlebar and then to the right handlebar switch. When the starter button is pressed, the current connects to a specific wire (yellow with a red stripe) and travels down to the starter solenoid.
Activating the Starter Solenoid:
Once the current reaches the starter solenoid, it connects to a black 12v positive wire, completing the activation side of the solenoid. This triggers the solenoid to bridge the current between the two large posts on its top. As a result, the positive cable from the battery connects directly to the positive cable running down the frame, under the engine, and up to the positive bolt on the electric starter.
Testing the Ground Circuit:
When troubleshooting the ground circuit, it's important to exercise caution. Briefly turn on the ignition switch with the kill switch set to the OFF position to test the circuit. If left on for too long, the coils may overcharge and become damaged. To verify proper grounding, connect a test light to ground and touch its probe to the positive terminal of the battery. The test light should illuminate, indicating a functional ground connection.
Ignition System and Ground Circuit:
The ground circuit plays a crucial role in the ignition system of vintage Honda motorcycles. With the ignition switch on and the kill switch in the "on/run" position, you can test the ground circuit by scraping the disconnected side of a jumper wire against a ground point, such as the engine case. When the jumper wire touches the ground, it completes the circuit and charges the coil, allowing you to test the primary windings.
Electric Garbage Disposal: Easy Steps for Replacement and Installation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The activation side of the starter solenoid
In the case of a 1973 Honda 550, the starter solenoid is part of the early electric starter circuit. This early version of the circuit has no safety switches, meaning the electric starter can be engaged when the motorcycle is in gear, causing it to lurch forward.
When the activation side of the starter solenoid is triggered, the solenoid will bridge the current between the two large posts on the top of the solenoid. This connects the positive cable that runs from the battery to the solenoid, with the positive cable that runs down the frame, under the engine, and up to the positive bolt on the electric starter. The starter motor grounds through the metal casing directly to the engine and then engages, turning over the engine.
The starter solenoid acts as an intermediary between the ignition switch and the starter motor, ensuring the starter motor gets enough power to start the engine. When the ignition key is turned to the start position, it sends a low-voltage signal to the solenoid, activating it and signalling it to start closing the gap. The solenoid then manages the high-current flow from the battery to the starter motor.
Electricity, Streets, and Police: Socialism's Infrastructure?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the 1973 Honda CB550 came with an electric starter motor.
The electric starter circuit is made up of wires and switches. When the start button is pressed, the starter solenoid connects the current to the yellow wire with a red stripe, which then travels to the starter solenoid next to the battery.
The early (pre-1973) version does not have safety switches, meaning the electric starter can be engaged when the motorcycle is in gear. The late (post-1974) version includes safety switches, preventing the starter from being engaged when the motorcycle is in gear.
Most Honda models before 1973 are compatible, including the CB175, CL175, CB200K, CL200, CB350K, CL350K, SL350 K0, CB360 K0, CL360 K0, CB450K, CL450K, CB500 K0-K2, and CB750 K0-K2.
The electric starter circuit in vintage Honda motorcycles can be complicated, with issues arising from the original circuit being bypassed or malfunctioning. The high voltage and solenoid can also make it intimidating to work with.
