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What's up with my lights?

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Ras

What's up with my lights?

Started up the bike this evening and went inside to get dressed for the ride. As I was getting ready to head out I noticed my tail light and turn signals were out. I tested the brake light and it worked fine, so did the turn signals when engaged. Turned off the bike and tried it again, same thing. Put it in park and both the tail light and turn signals came on. Headlight is fine... So no running tail light... meaning no riding. Clearly the bulbs are fine and the wiring must be working. What am I missing?

Bike is a 1980 CB750C

Thanks /Ras

shinyribs

Re: What's up with my lights?

Administrator

Since the lights work sometimes and not at others that tells me that all of the components are in good shape.Otherwise the light would not burn at all.There must be a loose connection somewhere.There is a bundle of bullet connectors( male and female connectors) that are on these bikes for quick disconnect purposes if you have to remove the tail section of the body.I would start there ,as those connections aren't really sealed up all that well and can easily corrode.Good luck

Re-run

Re: What's up with my lights?

Administrator

In reply to this post by Ras

Sounds like a switch problem. I would first turn the switch to its normal position and wiggle the connector and see if it flashes on and off. It could also be inside the switch. Some contact cleaner sprayed in would be a way to clean the switch. Well it is on the earlier bikes, not sure about the dohc.

The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!

TOOLS1

Re: What's up with my lights?

Administrator

I agree with Re-run. Check the switch.
TOOLS

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1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)

Dannymack

Re: What's up with my lights?

I actually got pulled over 2 years ago at night with this issue. Brake light would come on when applied, but no running light. Officer let me pop the fuse panel on the side of the road and I found a fuse had blown. Replaced it and he let me go. Not sure how only the running light for the taillight was on the fuse, but it fixed my issue.

82 CB750F - Bought from neighbor who had it since new and only had 9k on the clock.

Ras

Re: What's up with my lights?

Appreciate all the advice. Tried the wiggle, no result. Will get the contact cleaner and give that a try tonight. Looks like all the fuses (I see 4 by the ignition and the main fuse only) are in good shape.

efra

Re: What's up with my lights?

In reply to this post by Ras

Same thing happend to me. i tried everything i changed the cables even i rewired all the ligths and nothing and after all that work i checked the fuses and the one of the tail light an meters was blown

HONDA CB 750K 1980