Author Topic: What to do with useless combo switches?  (Read 4935 times)

Offline TrueAce

  • ^ SuperNatural Motobricker
  • Posts: 973
What to do with useless combo switches?
« on: September 08, 2015, 11:29:28 PM »
So as a OCD K-bike owner in the major process of building a lighter, slimmer scrambler, I have determined the only three  components in the massive ugly handlebar combo switch housings worth retaining are the starter button, kill switch, and choke. But those can also easily be relocated elsewhere on the bike, which I would prefer to do. But what do I do with those big ugly combo switch housings? I removed the various tabs, and can graft plastic neatly on the holes, but there must be a cleaner way. Anybody else gotten the urge to clean up the handlebars, so what did you do with the switches you kept, and how do you eliminate those useless bulbous combo housings ?
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline rbm

  • ^ Quintessential Motobricker
  • Posts: 2308
Re: What to do with useless combo switches?
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2015, 08:14:27 AM »
There's been more than a few bike builds documented here where the builders replaced the BMW switch assemblies and brake-throttle assemblies with simpler units from Japanese bikes.  Given that you want a scrambler look and feel, you are probably better off replacing the BMW handlebar-grip assemblies with second-hand Jap equivalents.  The handlebars will be straightforward as will be the front brakes. The electrics will be fun (like in the Chinese hex "may you live in interesting times") and the throttle will burn a few of your brain cells, but it's all doable.
  • Regards, Robert
Toronto, Ontario

1987 K75 - Build Blog @http://k75retro.blogspot.ca/

Offline TrueAce

  • ^ SuperNatural Motobricker
  • Posts: 973
Re: What to do with useless combo switches?
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2015, 10:40:57 AM »
That's great feed-back, thanks!
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline TrueAce

  • ^ SuperNatural Motobricker
  • Posts: 973
Re: What to do with useless combo switches?
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2015, 11:41:17 PM »
rbm...........in reviewing K100 past posts related to electrics, you stand out as the expect; impressive stuff. After reading your comments about the Acewell  speedo unit, several things stood out to me, on which I would like to seek your feed-back. I am not using an Acewell, and may later install a GPS speedo.The stock instrument cluster on my '85 RS has been removed (eliminating the various bulb indicators} . From what I have gleaned from your prior comments, the alternator light and neutral light functions will need to be reestablished in order for the bike to start; could you elaborate? Also, I want to convert the ignition key module to an under-seat toggle switch; is that as simple two gray wires joined with ground & power to the switch? Turning the complex K100 electrical system controls into a bare scrambler mode appears less simple now that I am into the re-build. BTW, all handlebar switches, including clutch starter switch have been removed. Any feedback on which of the eliminated indicators/ switches need to be re-wired would be much appreciated.
Thanks   
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Offline TrueAce

  • ^ SuperNatural Motobricker
  • Posts: 973
Re: What to do with useless combo switches?
« Reply #4 on: September 26, 2015, 09:30:03 AM »
So.....the handlebar switches went away, and a re-wiring of starter & kill switch plus light controls began. Abandoned the turn switches for hand signals & don't want a horn. So check out the new switch gear, and there is also a "hidden" starter button. Pic of the work-progress follows. Getting to the GS stage!
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

Tags: