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I was riding my 1983 Honda Nighthawk CB550SC on the highway (standstill traffic) to work when I released the clutch a little too much causing the motor shut off. I calmly tried to shift to neutral to get it started again but no luck. Now the bike won’t start at all.

When I try to start it, it makes a sporadic, fading hissing sound like it wants to start but no dice. Both the engine switch and the gas switch are on and there is plenty of gas, so I am flabbergasted. Here is some brief background:

1. Last week, someone tried to steal the bike by jamming a screwdriver into the ignition—killed the switch.
2. I bought a new virtually identical aftermarket ignition switch for a similar Honda bike. Only the wiring was different.
3. After some rewiring, it seemed to work perfectly. I was happy and proud.
4. I managed to push the bike up a steep exit onto a street where it now resides. Damn Honda’s are heavy. I hope I don’t get towed.

Since I hear the hissing sound and my bike had no trouble starting this morning, I feel like the problem is not electrical. But then again I am an ignorant imbecile, so I’ll let you guys guide me from my infinite stupidity.

Thanks in advance.

All I can suggest is that you check the usual suspects like the engine kill switch and kickstand safety switch. Also, crack open the ignition you replaced and check all the wiring you did. Also have a look at the fuses, though I'm unsure how one would blow simply from stalling the engine.

take a spark plug wire off and see if you're getting spark.

Put a meter on the battery and see if it has enough juice.

You could also try push starting it.

Just some ideas.

ZooTech wrote:All I can suggest is that you check the usual suspects like the engine kill switch and kickstand safety switch. Also, crack open the ignition you replaced and check all the wiring you did. Also have a look at the fuses, though I'm unsure how one would blow simply from stalling the engine.

Whats the kickstand safety switch? is that the fuel switch (reserve,off,run switch)? If so, ive checked that one as well as the electric start switch (run/off). Also, the Fuses all seem to be ok and the headlight/break lights turn on...

Also tried push starting it... Am I screwed?

Also, ask questions here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/honda_nighthawk/

They can definetly help.

gerpena wrote: Whats the kickstand safety switch?

Your bike probably doesn't have one, as I'm not sure when they were introduced. The switch is located near the kickstand pivot and will not allow the engine to start if the kickstand is down and the tranny is in gear.

Just to confirm, Zootech is right, you dont have a kickstand switch.

if the battery is dead the starter solenoid will make that noise.

9000white wrote:if the battery is dead the starter solenoid will make that noise.

hmmm... should i buy a battery at any auto parts store and try it out?

take it out and let the parts house check and see if it is dead before you buy a new one.