Would not surprize me, when I bought my 84 VT700C the ignition had one key, everything else used a different key.

I would try getting to the back side of the ignition switch and bypassing it and see if everything comes on.

 

make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

 

The ignition switch on my '83 is getting glitchy. I'll probably have to replace it soon. Try checking if you're getting power past the ignition switch. Is the headlight working before you press the start button?

 

all checks are good

battery terminals are good and clean, fairly new battery. Absolutely nothing works when the key is turned. No lights, no blinkers, no horn, nada...ziltch...

 

How is the main fuse?

 

Try cleaning the inside of the switch with electrical contact cleaner. It's a pain to get off though.

 

it's the switch

took a while but I got all the way down to the switch and opened it up and yep!! I guess things built in 84 get old after a while... so I will have to replace it. Thanks for all the input.

HAFND!!

squidchief

 

I'm curious what you found when you opened the switch. My '83 ignition needs to be jiggled sometimes to get to start. Could it be cleaned up? The switch is $100, and the set is $140.

 

You can replace your stock switch with an after market switch for alot less than $100. That's just stupid spending that kind of money for the same switch (or better) you can get elsewhere. Check on how many electrical connections are on the back of the switch and find there are many used for other vehicles that are compatable at a better price.

 

You can't replace the switch with another because the fork lock is part of the switch.
Rocksolid

 

Fork lock? I guess some people still use those. I never use my stinking for lock. Like that would actually keep someone from steeling the bike. You can just swing the forks over and break the tab off the fork without much effort, so they are not as effective as some people might think.

 

The fork lock isn't going to stop a thief who really wants the bike, but what lock will? I was always told that locks are only good to keep basically honest people honest. I do use my fork lock along with a rotor lock or a cable lock. What do you do to keep your bike safe?
Rocksolid

 

There isn't much for bikes being stolen around here. Nothing like out east anyways. I figure that's the reason insurance is so cheap around here.

 

I can't imagine buying an aftermarket (universal) switch. All that I've found have only three wires on them and I don't want to jury rig something. rocksolid, where have you found an ignition for only $100? Best I've found is a good bit more than that.

HAFND!!

 

Here's the addy:
http://www.hondaparts-direct.com/default.asp