Motorcycle Repair: 305 dream ignition switch & electrical, triangle shapes, brake light switch

Question
Hello Bill,
I have a '64 305 Dream that's been sitting, but I have it running pretty well with the exception of the tail light.  The brake light filament comes on and stays on, but the dimmer running light filament won't come on.    I've reversed the wires and made sure there is a good ground, but still doesn't work.  Any suggestions?

Also, the ignition switch confuses me...there are 5 dots for the key positions.  Can you tell me what each position is supposed to electrify on the bike?  And inside the switch, there are 3 little metal triangle shapes with springs and balls.  Are the triangles supposed to point to the outside or the center?  

Thank you for your help.
EJ Stump

Answer
EJ....  If the brake light stays on, check the brake light switch adjustment first. It shouldn't stay on if the switch is good and adjusted properly.

There is a tiny braided ground wire on the tail light plate that ground the plate to the bracket. They often break and open the ground path to the socket.

Email me at my www.vintagehonda.com site and I can send a copy of Honda's wiring diagram and switch function chart.

I haven't had a switch apart for some time, but seem to recall that they actually were in a upright triangle.

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        II wiring harness

May have to check with some other VJMC buddies to confirm.

Bill Silver