Motorcycle Repair: 1979 honda cm400t tail light, honda cm400t, bill silver

Question
good morning,, I just purchased a 1979 Honda cm400t and tail light does not come on when the bike is on only when I turn switch all the way to the right,,,can you please help?

Answer
Charlie...

The ignition switch routes power to the tail light filament in either ON or PARK positions. If you get the light to come on in PARK but not ON, it seems like the ignition switch may be to blame.

Check wiring diagrams here:  http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/WiringDiagrams/MCwiring.php#class

I would check tail light bulb, socket and wiring, however. There can be issues with tail/brake light illumination when the ground to the bulb base is damaged or the connector is loose.

Bill Silver