Expert: Jan Ringnalda - 11/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1978 cb550 four K, its been standing for some years but is totaly original and complete.
I have put a brand new battery on her and turned the ignition to the on position and have no power to the bike at all.
any ideas as im at a loss.

ANSWER: Sounds like you have corrosion on the ignition switch contacts, or the main fuse is blown. Check that you are getting 12V into the ignition switch.  Good luck,  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ihave checked the contacts for the battery and the fuses but all seems good but no voltage getting to ignition switch, is there another fuse for the ignition that is not on the fuse box, if there is where is it most likly to be ?.
i did switch on the ignition and cross the terminals on the starter solenoid and she started to fire up but i still did not get any ignition or neutral light. neither am i getting any horn or headlights.
i look forward to your reply Vic

Answer
OK so you're getting voltage to the solenoid, from there there should be one or two fairly thick red wires going into the wiring loom.  Check the plug that connects those wires, and there should be a main fuse in that part of the circuit too.  Check that one very carefully, it is the main fuse; typically 30 Amps.  Usually in a black bakelite block. Did you disconnect the plug at the ignition switch and look for 12V?  if you have 12V there it may be a bad switch; the contacts can corrode if the switch is not used for a long time.  Good luck,  Jan