Kill switch CB77

[Jethro]

Hi, I'd like to install a kill switch on my bike. My ignition switch is so worn out that any of my old Honda keys will work and also will come out in any position. So short of getting a new switch, riding with a key in the switch is not an option. Hence the kill switch so my bike isn't sitting there idling while I'm digging through my pockets trying to figure out what I did with my keys once I've arrived at my destination.
Anyway, so I've looked around and haven't seen much about this.
I'm thinking the best way to do this is to splice a wire into the black wire that provides power from the ignition switch to both coils (just prior to the coils), then up to a kill switch near the throttle.
Seems simple enough but I'm wondering if there is enough current there to blow the fuse.

Anyone done this and have any pointers?

Thanks, Jethro.

[Jethro]

I just realized that the best way to do this is to just ad the kill switch in series to that circuit and so the switch is normally closed while running and you open it for shut down.
I'm used to dealing with self sustaining magnetos which to shut them down you essentially short that primary coil lead to ground which would be the black coil wires in our case. But because the coils get their power directly from the battery, grounding that circuit likely would blow the fuse.
So I guess I kind of answered this one for myself.

But I'm still interested in seeing what others have done here. So if you have one installed, lets see it!

Jethro

[rustywrench]

Your idea of a wire between the key switch and the coils would certainly shut down the engine but leave the lights on so you would have to shut off the key as well anyway.
If your interest is security, then a toggle switch between the fuse and key would shut down the whole system and baffle a would be thief. Tuck it up out of sight under the seat edge and no one would know it was there. I did this on a dirt bike model I rode for a while with a worn out key switch and it worked out well. Not purist correct but what the hay,,,,,,,Rusty

[hishairisred]

Hey Jethro,
I installed a kill switch on my bike by converting my dimmer switch to a connection break from the fuse to the ignition(ran a new wire from the switch to the fuse) so basically up is connected, down is off, cutting off the entire bike. The downside to this is that you cant have a dimmer switch of course.
what I did for the headlight light is converting it to be only on the black switch on the headlamp assembly, and set it to be only on the low beam setting when the black switch is turned on. this is good because high beams wear down the battery like crazy from the magneto not keeping up. low beam is still plenty bright.
The position of the switch works well, no need for a new part to keep the original look, and make sure you are always riding with a low beam.
this is all of course you have a properly working dimmer switch, lots of them aren't working properly these days.
if you need a wiring diagram, let me know and ill draw one up.
best,
Ian

[Jethro]

Thanks guys.
I like the idea of installing an inline switch by the fuse under the seat Rusty. Not only would I not have to worry about digging in my pocket for the key just to shut down but as you say, it's another anti theft sort of deal. As for a kill switch, I think I'm going to put one on the right mirror perch hole as I have bar end mirrors. That just seems like the best spot for it as far as safety and convenience goes. Eventually I might put some winkers on that I have laying around and the left mirror perch will be a great spot for that switch. Not sure if I'll get to this right away but I'll try to check in with progress.

Jethro

[mike horvath]

Jethro,
Do a search for "kill switch" authored by myself under "newbie, rants and raves" and you'll see a pic of what and where I positioned mine on a CL. I think it came out kinda nice, although I don't know if your switch collar can support the idea.