Neutral light on Honda XR motor?

[Black Knight]

I have a Jap import Honda CL400 (see avatar) that comes with a factory fitted XR400 motor.Manuals in English are not available.I am having a problem with the neutral light not always lighting up when bikes is in neutral and as a result I cannot start the bike-kickstart only.Does anyone know where the neutral switch is located on Hondas and what should I look for in trying to fix this problem.-I have located a wiring diagram (in Japanese) which shows the switch wire going to a diode (shared with the side stand safety switch) then to a connector and then to the neutral bulb.I plan on cleaning up all contacts,but am stuck a bit on the switch location itself and how it works.Thanks in advance.

[george formby]

I have a Jap import Honda CL400 (see avatar) that comes with a factory fitted XR400 motor.Manuals in English are not available.I am having a problem with the neutral light not always lighting up when bikes is in neutral and as a result I cannot start the bike-kickstart only.Does anyone know where the neutral switch is located on Hondas and what should I look for in trying to fix this problem.-I have located a wiring diagram (in Japanese) which shows the switch wire going to a diode (shared with the side stand safety switch) then to a connector and then to the neutral bulb.I plan on cleaning up all contacts,but am stuck a bit on the switch location itself and how it works.Thanks in advance.

I'd be checking that dreaded side stand switch first BK. Had to unstick the DT's after dust blasting it. Quick and easy to start with.

[Black Knight]

I'd be checking that dreaded side stand switch first BK. Had to unstick the DT's after dust blasting it. Quick and easy to start with.

Thanks Bro'-will attack this today and see how I go-I hate intermittent electrical stuff.

[george formby]

Thanks Bro'-will attack this today and see how I go-I hate intermittent electrical stuff.

Another plan may be to contact Hawera Honda, Malcolm, I think, with regards to getting a manual. He has been very helpful to me in the past but i'm sure he's sick of my calls for advice rather than buying parts off him. Got a carb seal kit off him for my CRM.

Er, Econohonda IIRC.

[Black Knight]

Thanks Mark (its Chris by the way-from the Back Road)--There are lots of manuals available via Google but none for the newer CL400's (and the newer CB400SS)-I have a workshop manual for it but only available in Japanese,they never printed an English version.I can kind of figure stuff from this and there are pictures,must nobble a Jap tourist from Paihia to do a full translation of it-payment a week in paradise.

[george formby]

Thanks Mark (its Chris by the way-from the Back Road)--There are lots of manuals available via Google but none for the newer CL400's (and the newer CB400SS)-I have a workshop manual for it but only available in Japanese,they never printed an English version.I can kind of figure stuff from this and there are pictures,must nobble a Jap tourist from Paihia to do a full translation of it-payment a week in paradise.

Post up on the notice board for a holidaying Japanese mechanic. If you have no joy fixing the problem a good auto sparky lives down the road from me in Kawakawa. Has done good work for me in the past and is very reasonable. Cost me $120 to have the DT starter motor re-built. Still going strong after 3 years.

[husaberg]

I have a Jap import Honda CL400 (see avatar) that comes with a factory fitted XR400 motor.Manuals in English are not available.I am having a problem with the neutral light not always lighting up when bikes is in neutral and as a result I cannot start the bike-kickstart only.Does anyone know where the neutral switch is located on Hondas and what should I look for in trying to fix this problem.-I have located a wiring diagram (in Japanese) which shows the switch wire going to a diode (shared with the side stand safety switch) then to a connector and then to the neutral bulb.I plan on cleaning up all contacts,but am stuck a bit on the switch location itself and how it works.Thanks in advance.

Neutral switch on most Honda singles and most other bikes for that mater is located down by the gear lever.
20 in this pic

if its a Xr400 motor just google the manual for one of them. There was a road legal supermoto version sold in Aussie so its likely the same motor.

[Black Knight]

Thanks George and Husa-I currently have a broken ankle-don't ask-and will get down to the workshop as soon as I am a bit more mobile to check out switch location.I did pull a XR400 wiring diagram but it did not show a neutral switch-while the schematic Husa posted was for XR200 it is a good start for me so thanks.Golly I really like those XR400SM's,wonder why not sold here.
Thanks for the auto electrician tip Mark-I use Hugh at Haururu Falls,grumpy but old school and I do like his prices.