[GeorgeEllis]

Hi all - I am new to this forum and new to the motorcycle world...

I bought a cx500 a few months ago and the wiring is non existent. As I go through my checklist of what needs repair and replacement, and also study the wiring diagram for this bike, I cannot figure out why the ignition switch has 12 wires coming out of it. (see attached image)

The bike only had a speedometer when I bought it (no tachometer). Thanks in advance!

 

[CXPHREAK]

Red is power in from battery via main fuse. Greens are grounds. Brown are parking light circuit. Black/white is kill switch {works to ground},..

For starters - connecting red to solid black {NOT black/white} should get you most functions including starting.

 

[GeorgeEllis]

Red is power in from battery via main fuse. Greens are grounds. Brown are parking light circuit. Black/white is kill switch {works to ground},..

For starters - connecting red to solid black {NOT black/white} should get you most functions including starting.

Thank you! Am I wrong for thinking there generally is only one green, one brown, etc etc?

 

[CXPHREAK]

Nah, the 'extras' are normal. There would be a mating connector for all of those wires.

It had had an 8 pin multi plug hacked off and I think a couple of those wires run separate to that.

 

[GeorgeEllis]

Nah, the 'extras' are normal. There would be a mating connector for all of those wires.

It had had an 8 pin multi plug hacked off and I think a couple of those wires run separate to that.

awesome thanks that is very helpful!

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Visit the forum wiki and get the appropriate Factory Service Manual. Check the 1979 Custom addendum (chapter 26, IIRC) to find your wiring diagram.

 

[GeorgeEllis]

Visit the forum wiki and get the appropriate Factory Service Manual. Check the 1979 Custom addendum (chapter 26, IIRC) to find your wiring diagram.

This is the wiring diagram I have been referencing so far. I think I understand most of it, but uncertain what a couple symbols are. For example, I'm unsure of what the connector is that looks like just a plain rectangle. (the LG/R coming from the neutral switch) Is that just for ease of connecting and disconnecting wires?

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

1980 Addendum, Chapter 23. Sorry, I could only see the date of manufacture on you VIN label.
A triangle pointing into a rectangle? That's a single bullet connector.

 

[Sidecar Bob]

You might find the colour wiring drawing easier to follow. Are you sure all of those wires are coming from the keyswitch?