starter problems

[slash360-2]

Hey guy's, I need some help on starting problem. I have a 81 750 C. I've been riding it pretty regular until a stretch of bad weather.(about 2or 3 weeks) Any way here's my problem.Went to start bike, battery was dead,I charged battery , still nothing.when I turn key on everything lights up,horn ,signals work.When I hit starter button headlight goes dim ,and starter does not engage.I checked fuses ,all good.I took cover off starter connections appear good.Thats as far as I've gone.Any advice on troubleshooting to pinpoint the culprit.Thanks, Steve in NC.

[hondarider]

 I have a 1980 cb750 C. I am not a great mechanic, but can do some work. I have the same problem, do you  hear a click when you press the starter button? I thought the problem was a bad CDI. It turned out to be the starter relay. It is on the left side behind the side cover, the main fuse is attached to it. turn key on  and while pressing the starter button, tap on the relay, it should engage. another option is to turn the key on and touch both post with a screwdriver, bypassing the relay, engaging the starter. I have not replaced my relay yet, as it does not do this all the time, i just tap it.  my headlight dims every time i start my bike also.

[slash360-2]

Thanks for the tip. I read your post last night, went out and tapped on relay. The starter engaged and it fired right up.I 'm going to check out relay connections this morning , but it's starting fine for now.Thanks again for the help.

[Rick V]

You should check the battery connections and the ground strap at the engine also. If these are not clean and tight you may be led to replace the starter relay unnecessarily.

[slash360-2]

I've had this bike since 2005 and put about 7000 miles on it with no problems.It's probably time to run through the ignition system to check for loose connections or shorts.Thanks again for your posts.Steve in NC.

[gonebiking-2]

Now that I have 90% of all the parts I need for the restoration of my Australian CB750KZ  , I am ordering a complete wiring loom, as after some 28 years the wiring has gone brittle and the last thing I need after I have got everything back together, is to have electrical problems. So when the frame comes back from being painted and powder coated, a new wiring harness is going in. In case anyone is wondering what the KZ  is, the Z was put on all Southern Hemisphere and UK CB750`s for identification purposes. The Z represents the last of the that model Honda.

[750fourK]

two things starter solenoid bad or loose wire's, located beside fuse box, or condenser has gone bad that's what most trouble shooting books say, also try kick start bypasses starter.

[ride4ever]

I have the same problem. Trying to bring a 1979 K back from the dead. I had it started at one point. Then, I replaced the throttle/kill switch/starter and the battery and now... Nothing. If I push the button the headlight dims and nothing else. I have checked the starter and it is grounded. I tested all the way from the ignition switch back to the starter solenoid - all I have is an old light up tester I inherited from my Dad. Now what? I am about 20 minutes away from just buying a new wiring harness and hoping ill work out whatever issue im missing... I dont want to do that... I really dont want to do that. Someone mentioned a ground under the seat? I dont see a ground. also, someone mentioned an engine ground... Also, you guys keep saying to bypass the solenoid by arcing the starter... I dont see where to do that, even after I pulled the cover off...

[rij1]

ride4ever wrote

I have the same problem. Trying to bring a 1979 K back from the dead. I had it started at one point. Then, I replaced the throttle/kill switch/starter and the battery and now... Nothing. If I push the button the headlight dims and nothing else. I have checked the starter and it is grounded. I tested all the way from the ignition switch back to the starter solenoid - all I have is an old light up tester I inherited from my Dad. Now what? I am about 20 minutes away from just buying a new wiring harness and hoping ill work out whatever issue im missing... I dont want to do that... I really dont want to do that. Someone mentioned a ground under the seat? I dont see a ground. also, someone mentioned an engine ground... Also, you guys keep saying to bypass the solenoid by arcing the starter... I dont see where to do that, even after I pulled the cover off...

Jump the cables on the starter solenoid..  Follow the positive cable from the battery and that goes to the relay. You'll see right next to where the positive cable attaches there is another cable. Make sure the bike IS NOT in gear and is in neutral. Jump those two cables from the studs on the relay. Relay is on the left side.