I need help with motorcycle wiring?

Question

I need to know where to find a wiring diagram for a '83 HOnda 650 Nighthawk, the taillight quit. I've checked the bulb, the fuses, it appears to be somethign in the wiring harness.

Answer 1

The wiring diagram is in the back portion of your service manual, you know, the one that every motorcycle owner should have.

Answer 2

Look carefully under the seat, and where the wiring goes from the handlebars to the frame (under the instrument cluster, between the forks) - these are common place on Hondas for the wiring to rub or pinch. You should also check the switch on the handlebar - sometimes, these can burn out a contact, and Hondas in the 80s often routed all lighting through the switch - even if the switch couldn't turn it off.

Answer 3

The ignition switch was notorious for going bad on that model.
The switch runs a power wire for the tail light.
The ignition switch "base" is replaceable. That's where the electrical contacts are.
This diagram will get you started. Honda uses the same wiring on all their bikes, with a few changes now and then.
http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/diagrams.html
Check with a test light to see if you have power at the tail light fuse. The ignition switch powers it.

Answer 4

I don't know personally, but I have used Clymer's repair manuals for my other bikes. Below is a link to the manual. Its a well-invested $35 or so....
They will certainly have the wiring diagram in there, as well as other tips.
From what I have seen of most owner's manuals, they do not have the wiring diagrams in sufficient detail. The shop manuals do, but you will likely find that Clymers is easier to follow.

Answer 5

Guardrail is most correct.

Answer 6

haynes manuals

try here
http://www.haynes.com/