Motorcycle Repair: 1977 honda 550cb four-k died today, auto parts stores, fuse box

Question
Hi there, I have a 1977 honda 550cb four-k that I bought 2 months ago. It has been running great until today. It completely died on me while driving in a straight line today. Bike would not turn over or no battery power? No clunking noise or weird sounds before it died. Did notice it was a bit warmer around the motor. Any idea? new battery this year and tune up last year.

Answer
Kris, check the battery voltage first. If okay, then move onto the fuses and then to the ignition switch base connector.

If battery is dead, then the charging system must be evaluated. Usually the ignition system will die around 9 volts, so if you have NO POWER suddenly, then the ignition switch connector is most likely the problem.

Fuses have been known to crack invisibly though, so check with 12v test light from auto parts stores. Start at the battery, then move to the solenoid wiring to ensure that the power cables are in place. The fuse box is next to the battery on the left side. Fuses okay, then move to the front of the bike and check the switch base connector. Wiggle it back and forth and it may power up again momentarily.

Switch base parts are available separately for most models back then, either aftermarket or OEM.

Bill Silver