Testing Motorcycle Switches

In this video we hit on some common switches you can test with a simple meter on your Honda motorcycle. I also share some common knowledge about wiring schematics and break down some basic info to hopefully make you feel more confident about diagnosing electrical problems on your Honda motorcycle.
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[@wiggylab1957]

Thanks Cody, I bought a 2003 ACE , Someone butchered the wiring trying to put aftermarket T signals and tail light on it. This video is just what I needed to fix a screw up. Always enjoy your videos, keep up the good work, stay safe man.

[@BrandenCaney]

This is by far the best video I’ve ever watched on this subject. Definitely following. THANK YOU for this content!

[@alnichols8833]

Thanks man. Really appreciate you sharing your talent. Isolated the switch. Fixed it once before and finally failed after throttle push pull cable replacement. Will ride again soon.

[@UrbanMenace0187]

Heya cody, thank you for your video. I had been chasing a headlight issue. Your video helped me understand clearly how to trouble shoot. Although the issue didnt end up being an electrical issue, the video lead me to restoring the switch assembly and all the contacts...presto! Shes functioning %100, cheers 🤙🤙

[@ethalthefrog]

G'day there Cody. Thanks for your great videos. I am a complete novice when it comes to things like this. You have help me solve a few of issues today with you helpful videos. First you help me locate an electrical gremlin where my indicators weren't working. You showed me how to pull apart, clean and rebuild my indicator switch. Although that wasn't where the gremlin was hiding. Then you showed me how to check the switch to see if its getting power...that's where i located the little bugger :) The loom plug was a little loose and not making proper contact. Then i was cleaning my rims and noticed that one of the rear brake pads was down to bare metal. A couple of quick phone calls to get new pads and then back to your channel to find out how to replace them. Without your help and simple to follow instructions...my 89 VFR750 would be a huge paper weight LOL :D

[@Spitfireseven]

I have seen a number of your videos. Your a very cool dude and you know how to show someone something. THANKYOU!

[@alsouthern7190]

So glad i found your video on the switches and meter! The meter was so alien to me you made it where i learned some things, thanks!

[@jeffwest6691]

Thanks for the video. I'm chasing electrical gremlins in my headlight circuit. I tend to get it in my head what I think the problem is instead of logically troubleshooting. I will definitely remember to test the switches and bypass the switches to know for sure.

[@fredrickbanta3093]

Hey Cody, I have a 1982 Honda magna 750. What you shared on wiring made good sense to me.

[@michaelluciano3690]

I ride a roadking but can apply this knowledge on any ride, ty again for the best video on the subject that I have found.

[@yurienperez5703]

Codey, I can't thank you enough for your video!!!!! You have just helped sooo much. THANKS A MILLION!

[@jameswoodburn8852]

I liked this video, very simple to follow. great job of explaining the functions of each component of the kill and start buttons. thanks man

[@mozzfather]

Thank you for taking the time and explain the very basics. Well done!

[@peters6591]

Great information, given in an excellent manner.

[@WisdomTrain]

You helped me solve my problem with my headlights :) Thanks for doing this video! I watched so many videos before I found yours and was able to solve my problem. I now have headlights :)

[@Rob-sd3eh]

Awesome info, was overwhelmed, but like you said, “break it down!”

[@vinniecarter7183]

That young man was some very good information. It am currently trying to determine why my wife's Harley won't start, now I have some info to delve deeper and hopefully find a solution. Thank you Vinnie......

[@212121A]

Thanks! Made it clear enough!

[@SG-vc3wb]

Great Job...I understood everything you said just fine.

[@UrbanMenace0187]

Fantastic vid, information help for what I needed. Thank you👌👍👍

[@ragerage4247]

Fantastic tutorial, even know how to use my multi meter now, and successfully tested my switch gear + some.

[@yoyimarti2864]

Bro you are awsome lv your videos, love how detail and patient you are explaining things bigtime!!!!!

[@jasonogden5248]

Excellent breakdown, and it is very much appreciated sir! Thank you man!

[@arniet1]

Hello Cody, from GB, thank you for such a great tutorial. EXACTLY what i was looking for. So good, I've subscribed! Cheers pal

[@stp7049]

Just what I needed, thanks Doc👍

[@patricksorensen5731]

Ya, i get all that. I just wanted to say that you're a great explainer of things. Well done.

[@shawnspear7220]

Great video...very helpful thanks!

[@manuelbicudo9848]

I don't know how you function on this world ... all I know is that you are one of the most awesome Human beings I ever came across. Many, many blessings your way. Love your tutorials.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man, I’m really glad you enjoy the content!

[@josephbania4564]

…..and vroom vroom you go! Love it!

[@kylemcweeny878]

Exactly what I was looking for!

[@troykinsella]

Insanely helpful.

[@davidhilt9527]

Finally a video with useful info

[@jar7166]

Thank u for this great video

[@Neworldisordered]

I would take a mech course from you. You're a greatl teacher!

[@haroldpetersen5584]

You're the man, thank you!

[@LOVEnViolenceXXX]

Hey Cody! First of all, awesome video! This really helped boost my confidence in testing individual electrical components on my bike. However I’ve run into an issue I can diagnose. When pushing in the starter button nothing happens until after 3-5 seconds of holding it in before everything even begins to turn over. Prior to winterizing everything would start to turn over as soon as I pushed the button in. Any ideas?

[@mgarc1960]

Thanks, excellent video.

[@IceStone69]

I really appreciated this. I still need more lessons.

[@johntrioxin5870]

KZbin recommendation. Ironically after my start button gave me trouble. It got stuck and my bike wouldn't stop cranking til my solenoid burned. Thanks for the video!

[@McFly-guitars-n-stuff]

You broke it down. Thanks for this. New Sub.

[@w.e.smithereens8178]

Good job... Thanks a lot!

[@onerimeuse]

Such a good explanation. Gonna have to do all of this to see what the f is wrong with my headlights. Praise thee, motorcycle genie and your magic learning carpet!

[@ytnim321]

Fabulous, thank you.

[@ZippoVarga]

Heya Cody. I use a first generation Power Probe and a Power Probe 3. Have you tried using one? I think they're the best thing since pickled herring (Yes..I love that stuff lol). If not...They really are awesome at troubleshooting. And, they work on a wide range of voltages. Great upload as always! Cheers Brother! Zip~

[@shannonpadey5070]

nice and easy to take on board, i have a 10amp fuse on my cbr1000 07 model that keeps taking my blinkers and brake light out, i`m going to try your theory out. thanks mate

[@williamattleberger9905]

Very informative .

[@derricks8352]

thank you so much for explaining how this works i learned alot . got a 03 suzuki 250 and its all out of wack and also will you be making any atv vids

[@iqubalkassam3872]

Very good information. I like your your youtube channels

[@mikeadvr46]

The best of the best! Thanks man! Very informative. Maybe if you could dive deeper on electric problems on bikes, like 5 common problems and fixes or something like that! Keep it up. (i know its from 2018 )

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

That’s a great idea!

[@kennethcalimpong7919]

Hi Motorcycle MD, Thankyou for great tutorial, please take care & Mahalos & Aloha, Kenneth

[@kehnjiegabelo6255]

Thank you😆!

[@PaoloParodi75]

Thank you!

[@michaelluciano3690]

Thank you for simplifying the process, mike/N.J.

[@edgardocma277]

Good job , God bless you

[@jessy6464]

Awesome video!! Just bought a cbr600f1 parts bike that didnt have spark, previous owner said it was the stator. Did some tests and bypassed the clutch and kickstand switch and saw that power for the coils was threw the kill switch!! Kill switch didnt even work! And now she runs!!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Nice!!! Well done brother well done

[@AwesomeMillerChill]

First thing I saw and want to set straight your "continuity test" is a Diode checker gives you the beeps to show the diode is working correctly, but also gives you resistance in ohms. Then you have the correct continuity test which doesn't beep at you but still gives you resistance in ohms. Ohms will never go negative, since it's shooting resistance, if you were shooting power then I can understand negative. I have shot wires where Ohms have been up to 8 ohms and it's still good it's when its higher like in the Kilo-ohms

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

What was the purpose of setting it straight if it really doesn’t matter whether you set it to give you a beep checking resistance or not? Even if I read resistance negatively for the rest of my career it still wouldn’t matter..But.. thanks?

[@johnmiddleton726]

Cody: Hope you can help. Really like your posts. Kinda stuck right now. Trying to get my 03 Yamaha XVS 1100 running again after sitting for a while. Replaced the kill switch/starter button assembly for the 2nd time, along with the starter relay, fuel pump relay, and fuel pump. etc.. I will try your method of testing the kill switch but would also like to know how to check power supply to the switch. Thanks

[@whydahell3816]

Great video.

[@cjofatlanta5207]

I like this channel. great job with the video..

[@tonywhite4255]

I have a gpz 500 and trouble finding replacement switch, can you change the wiring over to match original switch. Regards Tony. You do us a great service 😉

[@husskymo]

Dragstar 650 isn't showing continuity when I vice my starter button down. Thank you this confirms my problem I think 😉 👍

[@davidwillis5016]

Thanks

[@joway97]

That was very helpful. I recently acquired a 97 Honda Shadow that is being by passed to start up. The ignition the kill switch and starter switch do not start up the bike. When I put the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position no power or lights come on. When I use the by pass switch the power comes on, then I push on the starter switch it dims the headlight but nothing else. No clicking at all. There is a bypass switch for the starter that will start up the bike with the bypass ignition switch on. Both by pass switches are connected through the solenoid. I will attempt to perform these test on the ignition, on the kill switch, the solenoid and the rectifier and the rely. Thank you.

[@mightyman8028]

hey cody i hope you get this and understand. on a 85 vt700c shadow there are the 2 wires that run to each of the coils. Now is there supposed to be 12volts running through those wires if i hook the multimeter to the black and than yellow with the switches and ignition on?

[@aikimoto6185]

Hi cody you have great vid. Can you send me wiring connections of starter relay for my honda vfr400 nc30 with fuse holder and 4 wires in it. Thanks

[@johnluna9915]

it's a great reference video. Where can I obtain a wiring diagram if I can't find it in the shop manual?

[@emildicaro5553]

Hey great videos do you have one disgnosing turn signal problems

[@outdoor1640]

Love the way you explain this. You would think as the owner of a specific model of motorcycle, you should have free access to the manuals. I'm trying to figure out where my clutch switch runs to since I cannot test it at the switch, it is sealed. It has 2 micro switches for clutch and cruise. Super Tenere 1200. Cruise is not setting, so could be any number of switches or sensors. Can find a copy of the proper Service Manual Electrical diagram for my 2020 ST.

[@guadalupeherrera5953]

This was a awesome video.thanks .1 question i have a 86 1100 honda starts and rus once you let go off start button Turns off.why?

[@johndimartino7062]

That Honda switch you were using looks like the one on a 2003 Honda vtx 1800 ..my bike sometimes doesn't start new battery any tips before I replace tons of parts. on what to do next?.. Thank you Cody

[@danmiller5862]

Hey Cody, I'm really enjoying your videos. I'm having problems with my bike shutting off and coming right back on when riding. It's a 03 Harley. When it shuts off, everything shuts down, lights and all. Which switch do you think it could be? I'm thinking Ignition switch because everything shuts down. What do you think?

[@petarandjelkovic1530]

God damn, thank you, i think i can fix it now ffs.... trust me you helped a lot of people.

[@johnelemieuxiii3994]

I can't believe it ! there is hope

[@jrbass62]

Cody, Thanks for these! I have a 1977 Suzuki GS 750 B, I took the engine from a 1983 Suzuki GS 1100e and swapped them. Have a new reg/rec for the 1100 installed. Having an over charge problem 15 volts at idle have been taking each connection in harness apart and cleaning, still can't find the problem?

[@royking6841]

You good cody

[@jamescoulton5138]

My 1982 Suzuki 450 thanks you

[@sharonsharon2604]

Excellent video! You should open a school! Keep going

[@Denise-ro8si]

Could you make a video on replacing a 2006 Honda SHADOW AERO V750 Regulator please.

[@jdubs1007]

How does the turn signals flash??? Is there a capacitor or something inside the switch. Have an old 75 suzuki ts185. Got power but no flashing.. thanks for the help, and great videos friend. Sorry not a honda bike

[@zx7rzx7r25]

Brilliantly and clearly explained. Thank you so much! Liked and subbed!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man!!

[@christopherrenton3641]

Iv got a kle 500 and I've got no power going to the front end but still power to the rear what do u think it could be

[@jbing27]

You might have mentioned there are two different families of on/off switches:Normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) and when and why they are employed, and what they look like in a schematic.

[@paulacabbo466]

sometime my start switch won't work unless i stab it pretty good with my thumb, i wish i could get in it to clean it

[@Supernova12034]

"you can jump it" Mind immediately jumps to, put it in second gear, run and dump the clutch. XD All in all, awesome video, awesome channel

[@brandonkinney5740]

)l

[@jamesyoung3207]

hey brother, I have a Honda Shadow vlx 600, same harness, I bought a replacement with four wires on the harness, and the colors are green, yellow/red, green/w, black/w,, which connect's with the other six,,, do I tie together, black/g ,yellow/r with yellow/r on the new and the blue/w, black/r , and what the heck I do with the black/w wires,,,,any insight would be greatly appreciated

[@davidskelton2081]

Hi Cody. I love your videos. They help me so much with my 2000 Magna 750. Can you help me? My headlight goes off when I hit left signal. Previous owner fiddled with tall handlebars and added hard saddlebags. He eliminated stock rear signals. I have led signals in rear. What’s your mailing address?

[@stephendavidson1998]

good simple explination on wiring , but my problem is with honda and what they did on the honda goldwing 1500 is totally stupid ,I have a 1990 and it is a wiring nightmare , . the bike just clicks when i hit the strat button , new battery , new starter , good starter rely ,but it vlicks on the relay panel , i replaced all of them ,I put a 40 amp inline fuse next to the starter rely stater is good , I just can not figure thid thing out , help would be great thanks stephen d.

[@chapterk-2586]

great vid

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man!

[@mihaibouros8075]

where did you get the electrical plant?

[@carlosportilla7634]

Great video. ! You don’t mine if I make a question . My motorcycle don’t have power Battery is new. Switch is ok but don’t have lights n don’t start looks dead. fuses are ok Suzuki 2005 . Only the rear light is on that’s it thank you for your respond. 😅🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@sonnylyles9418]

I need to know why my 1990 custom soft tail Harley Davidson starts popping & miss firing when I rev it I also got on it & road it & runs fine but as starts to come down on the rpm's it starts to bog out like it's running on one cylinder again I also noticed that at night with the head light on it dims when I rev it so I know it's a short somewhere that's grounding

[@paulnewman3612]

Hi how you doing my C109R do not want to start a new solenoid I touched the two points with a spanner and it still would not start

[@mattduncan5500]

@TheMotorcycleMD Where do we get those manuals/papers for our bikes . Assuming the diagram/papers you were looking at is from the bike you are currently working on ?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Manual

[@mikesheehy2424]

excellent presentation cody AAAA

[@armandoquezada5559]

Can you bump start a bike with a faulty kills switch? Ignition coil is not producing spark

[@jasonnichols6365]

Hello this is Jason from Georgia and I’m at my wits end I have a 2008 LTR 450 I know it’s not a Honda but I’m hoping that you might be able to help me when I first start the ATV it runs like it’s supposed to after a little while it starts to fall down and get sluggish well the other day I Was riding And it started acting sluggish it has an aftermarket KillswitchSo I just pulled a little clip out of the switch and let the switch close I plugged it back in real quick and The four wheeler ran better than it ever has so I thought it was a bad Killswitch and I jumped the switch and put a toggle in the middle it’s still doing the same thing so what could my problem be thanks for any help that you could give me

[@larrybaughman618]

I was wondering if you could help me with my Honda Shadow

[@rayfiore7779]

Hi Cody, quick question, should you use anti seize on threads of a Radiator Fan switch that has an o-ring?

[@tubeonline629]

No, you should use di-electric on all electrical conections. except maybe sparkplug threads.

[@hollis031687]

Got an issue..could a bad igniton switch cause my ignition fuse to blow??

[@kennethaddis7420]

Good job preparing this so that people can see and understand got a new subscriber.