How to replace the ignition switch: Difference between revisions

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* Use your new key to turn on the switch, and make sure everything lights up like it should. If not, check the connection and reseat it as necessary.

* Once the switch is fastened to the triple clamp, reassembly is literally the reverse of this procedure. Put the triple clamp back on, clamp it to the fork legs, screw in the pivot bolt. Reconnect the handlebar halves. Reinstall the gas tank (remember that the bigger tube goes to the bigger hose nipple, and don't forget the smaller one). Reinstall the side panels, and put the seat back on.

* Once the switch is fastened to the triple clamp, reassembly is literally the reverse of this procedure. Put the triple clamp back on, clamp it to the fork legs, screw in the pivot bolt. Reconnect the handlebar halves. Reinstall the gas tank (remember that the bigger tube goes to the bigger hose nipple, and don't forget the smaller one). Reinstall the side panels, and put the seat back on. I generally apply blue thread locking compound to any bolt I think it would suck to have fall off, which is most of them. I applied it to the handlebar bolts, the fork clamp bolts, and the central pivot bolt.

Voila, you're done! Shiny new ignition switch. Now quit parking where morons with cheap screwdrivers can get at your bike.

Extra bonus thought: Eric R reports that it is a simple matter for any competent locksmith to cut a "dual key" for you. This is a key with one pattern on one side, and another on the other side. You would do this if you wanted to have one physical key which operated two differently-keyed locks. Ask your locksmith, it should cost the same as getting a normal key made. You will then have to remember which way the key goes into different locks, but it would potentially be more convenient than having two keys.

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 * Use your new key to turn on the switch, and make sure everything lights up like it should.  If not, check the connection and reseat it as necessary.
-* Once the switch is fastened to the triple clamp, reassembly is literally the reverse of this procedure.  Put the triple clamp back on, clamp it to the fork legs, screw in the pivot bolt.  Reconnect the handlebar halves.  Reinstall the gas tank (remember that the bigger tube goes to the bigger hose nipple, and don't forget the smaller one).  Reinstall the side panels, and put the seat back on.
+* Once the switch is fastened to the triple clamp, reassembly is literally the reverse of this procedure.  Put the triple clamp back on, clamp it to the fork legs, screw in the pivot bolt.  Reconnect the handlebar halves.  Reinstall the gas tank (remember that the bigger tube goes to the bigger hose nipple, and don't forget the smaller one).  Reinstall the side panels, and put the seat back on.  I generally apply blue thread locking compound to any bolt I think it would suck to have fall off, which is most of them.  I applied it to the handlebar bolts, the fork clamp bolts, and the central pivot bolt.
 Voila, you're done!  Shiny new ignition switch.  Now quit parking where morons with cheap screwdrivers can get at your bike.
 Extra bonus thought: Eric R reports that it is a simple matter for any competent locksmith to cut a "dual key" for you.  This is a key with one pattern on one side, and another on the other side.  You would do this if you wanted to have one physical key which operated two differently-keyed locks.  Ask your locksmith, it should cost the same as getting a normal key made.  You will then have to remember which way the key goes into different locks, but it would potentially be more convenient than having two keys.