30A main fuse question

[Paul Narramore]

I was checking the 1977 GL1000 over this morning prior to putting in some petrol and starting her up, when I thought I'd have a look at the main fuse. What I found was a small block behind the battery, and two Phillips screws with a length of some sort of wire connecting the two. I expected a conventional fuse, either a glass one, a spade fuse or something similar. I've checked on the online part list and it's miniscule but looks like a piece of flat metal in the shape of a dumbbell with a hole at each end.

Can someone confirm this is correct, please. Probably what is in there would work but I don't care to muck about with electrics and would rather fit the correct 30A fuse, whatever type it is.

[Lucien Harpress]

That's right. I think the 1200 has the same setup, but contained in the starter solenoid. Many people cut it out of the 1000 and replace with a blade fuse and holder, myself included. Stock setup works fine, but blade fuses are much easier to find.

[Oldtech]

That is correct. The flat piece of metal is what melts if the fuse is overloaded. I carry a couple of spares in my tool tray.

[Paul Narramore]

Thanks. Soon after posting I did some Googling and found solutions particularly on a Honda SilverWing forum. The 'dogbone' fusable link is apparently notoriously fragile hence a PO has replaced mine with a piece of wire. The ATC fuse holder with a 30A spade fuse looks the most reliable mod, simply attached to the Phillips screws. I wonder why Mr Honda didn't fit one of these?

(Later) Of course, had I looked in 'ShopTalk' I would have found WhiskerFish's thread which explained everything.

[Whiskerfish]

Shoptalk is your friend

[Sagebrush]

I wonder why Mr Honda didn't fit one of these?

Blade type fuses were not available when "Mr Honda" designed and produced this bike.

[robin1731]

I wonder why Mr Honda didn't fit one of these?

Blade type fuses were not available when "Mr Honda" designed and produced this bike.

The same type of fuse on these originally was found on many vehicles. You can still go to an auto parts store and buy that style fuse.

[82aspy]

That is correct. The flat piece of metal is what melts if the fuse is overloaded. I carry a couple of spares in my tool tray.

they can also become problematic over time (iow decades +) from deterioration & weakening, then give hit & miss running issues, before failing from crumbling

[theburgundian]

I was surprised to find the same kind of fuse on my bike. When it broke, I changed it for a 30A car fuse and holder, simpler to change

[Mrirbic71]

Blade fuse also known as a Dog bone type fuse