Starter relay: Was "Ignition switch plug location"
 

1990 CBR600. The other day I hit the starter button, got dim indicator lights, no crank. Started a couple times later and rode home. This week hit the starter button and the same thing happened, then one more press and power disappeared completely.

Thought it might be battery connections, but nope.

Thinking it might be ignition switch but not sure where then plug is located. Before I tear off fairings, tank, etc, can someone tell me where the plug is located? I just need to get down there and check for power throughput.

Thanka

Replying to myself, I think I figured it out. I was looking at the Chilton's manual in my garage when I posted this. Was in my shop yesterday and opened the actual Honda manual, and it gives specific directions on taking off the LHS inner fairing cover to get at the plug. So that'll be the next step.

its attached to the plastic battery box on the left side, put your hand around and it and crank, if you feel a click it is working, also try to clean connections going to the starter, they tend to corrode. Make sure the connections are tight too.

So why would a plug click when you apply power? Sounds like you're talking about the starter relay, but that shouldn't kill all power to the bike.

Also discovered that you can buy a new switch for $23 from the Tucker Rocky catalog. Figured that with three of these it wouldn't hurt to have a spare switch so one is on the way. I'll try this while I wait.

Dim lights when you hit the switch is unlikely to be anything to do with the switch - something is causing a near-short consuming all the power - that's not going to be the switch (no real power flows through it), or even the relay.

It's most likely a bad battery (as to why it's bad -a different question), or a nearly-failed starter, or something is physically stopping the motor turning over.

Thanks, Rockpool. Good observations. Makes no sense to me that I would have no power at all now, though. Battery is less than a year old (which doesn't mean it didn't go bad), but it is taking a charge and I still have zero power. Starter draw would be a sensible explanation for the symptoms, although it doesn't explain lack of any power. Power didn't go away due to fuse blowing, otherwise it would have been an instantaneous loss. All good things to check, however. I've been busy with other projects (and have two other bikes that run) so it hasn't been a huge priority so far. We'll get there.

Been on the road for about six weeks. Took the Harley Road King and the 1988 CBR in my trailer. Had a good time riding here and there down in Texas.

Time to get back on projects, however. To those of you who responded that the relay was down near the battery when I asked where the ignition switch plugged in, congratulations. 😁

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/cbrforu...99daf66c83.jpg

So now, looks like I can get one on ebay for about $US100. Should I look around? Call the Honda dealer? Or just buy the new ebay one that says it is Honda OEM. (Looking again the seller is Everett Powersports, about two hours down the road from me so this is probably an easy call).

I can't get the plug (the red part) to disconnect from the relay (green part) cause it's so melted and it looks like Honda only sells wiring harnesses, not plugs. Anyone know if the plug can be sourced just in case it is melted to the relay too badly to save?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/cbrforu...41243fc02d.jpg

Also, I should probably pull the cover off the '88 and make sure it looks OK.

Also occurs to me that I could theoretically scavenge parts off the '89 that doesn't run right now anyway, at risk of having to spend a whole bunch of money down the road to try to get it to run again. I am averse to this, but when you need parts, you need parts.

Update: Plugs are available on ebay.

Ordered part but not Honda OEM. K&L makes a universal starter relay that they say fits the bike, for much less money. ($60 vs $110). It arrived, it comes with a plug and wires (hooray!) but the can part, the actual relay, is much smaller in diameter. K&L is a good company and I've never had a problem, but the smaller size bothers me a bit. Anyone have any experience with these for sure being just fine?

how big is the size difference? I dont think it should be a issue, if it doesn't work you can get one on ebay for $12, it comes with the extra wires too, I have had it on my bike for 2 years no issues. https://www.ebay.com/itm/302467935891

Turns out they were the same size. Not sure why I thought they were different except that one was in the garage and one was in the house. Installed and bike runs perfectly. 😁