The Early Style Starter Circuit: Electrical Troubleshooting and Basics on a Vintage Honda Motorcycle

See our more in-depth written article: support.common-motor.com/hc/e...
The electric starter circuit can be a more intimidating circuit to approach due to its inclusion of high voltage and a solenoid. With that said, when broken down it is nothing more than a few wires and switches that make it up. Similar to the headlight circuit, Honda has a early (Pre 1973) and a late (Post 1974) version of this electric starter circuit. In this article, we are going to focus on the early version of the circuit that has no safety switches. What that means is that the electric starter can be engaged when the motorcycle is in gear, causing it to lurch forward.
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• CB175/CL175/SL175/CB20...
• CB350/CL350/SL350
• CB360/CL360
• CB450/CL450/CB500t
• CB550 / CB500F
• CB750
• CB350F / CB400F
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Contents of this video:
00:00 - Introduction
00:29 - Starter circuit background information
01:16 - Models compatible with this instructional
01:56 - Tracing the circiut
04:40 - Testing the start button
08:17 - Testing the starter solenoid trigger wires for continuity
10:01 - Testing the main starter solenoid contacts
14:05 - A Working circuit demonstration
14:40 - Final thoughts

[@MaryK4242]

This is so awesome! I am "restoring" my first CB350 (or any bike) and this channel is a lot of help. Also the on line parts store is fantastic! I'll be making purchase every payday fer sher.

[@davidbisnette7673]

Thanks for all the videos y’all do , they are very helpful

[@user-ps1nv6lq8i]

These vids are just great! You explain it sooo well and the use of the animated diagrams engrain it into our minds. Thank you for helping us. CM is the first place I go if I need something. sb

[@hamairman6840]

Thank you for this video and all the other videos that you have published. Last fall, using parts from Common Motor Collective, my 1969 CB350 ran for the first time in over 40 years. I look forward to continuing down the path to a roadworthy motorcycle. I don't think I would have the guts to try this if it weren't for all the support you give. Thanks again.

[@plusblood5101]

Really awesome lesson

[@TravisDoesGames]

Thank you common motor!

[@warrenalbano1621]

Thanks for sharing God speed 🙏

[@scottmoto]

Thank you for this much needed video

[@elraffo1]

Thank you! Perfect timing. I actually needed this info

[@HO21310]

Glad to see new vids.

[@jimrowe4177]

Very excellent tutorial 😊. I needed this a lot! Thank you!

[@russdavis1960]

NICE!!!

[@LungileSibanda]

Hello Thank you for your vid, but i was hoping you can help me diagnose my bike i have a virago 125 that I was reviving, when i got the bike all the electrical components were working. I did not know much abut the electrical systems of the bike so when I removed my engine to repaint the frame i had the electrical components still attached, when i but everything back the a problem occurred. The moment i plugged the electric harness to the battery the whole electrical system switched on., i had not turned the key to on and i had not hit the start button but the bike lights and neutral light was on. When i pressed the ignition button to start the motor there was a funny sound from the solenoid, and it has nt reacted when i pressed the button again. (I have a feeling the solenoid is burnt). When i disconnect the start button the system the lights do not turn on unless i turn the key, but then i cannot start the bike at this point. I believe there is a short in the system, but i have no idea where. I have undone the whole electric harness and i cannot find this exposed wire or short so i do not know what to do . Please help...

[@joshuacarmenatte9606]

I have checked the circuit and it all seams to be good but the solenoid just clicks and does not turn the starter over. I added power directly to the starter and it kicks just find. I also got a new cable from the solenoid to the starter and that was not it either. Not sure what to do next?

[@user-ng9xq8ks4l]

What would cause a slow cranking issue? Mine sounds like it’s turning over at half the speed of the bike in your video. I’m Using a fully charged 3102 AGM battery from common motors.

[@dannybear3121]

Sorry for the long comment… I’ve got an interesting issue. I have a 1971 CB750 and I just redid left side hand grips turn signal and horn wiring. The previous owner had cut the wires to the turn signals and the horn and so I re-soldered new wires onto the switch and button. Turn signals and horn work fine now, however, the left side turn signal sometimes will flash really dim constantly. When I switch that left-hand wire to the right side turn signals, they too blink dimly. I have new LED lights in the turn signals as well as a new LED flasher. I think the issue is that left-hand turn signal wire is getting grounded somewhere in the handlebars which is causing the flashing. Let me know what you think or if there is an easy solution, because this is a weird issue to me.

[@TravisDoesGames]

Measure from the hot leg and ground as in pull the power wire that feeds the signal and create those conditions and view voltage. If 12v then you’re getting good power to the lamp

[@braiden9999]

Excellent 😎😎😎😎😎