Switchgear

1970s and 80s Suzuki models, ranging from GT250 to early GS models. I vaguely remember early Ducati Dramas having them as well(?).

Not sure if the jap bikes featured the Laverda lights/alternator switching.

piet
 
To me I use anything with a lights off switch, I hate the lights permanently on option and I love my press to turn the blinkers off. Plus the action is better on slightly more modern switches but I don't care if it's original from the factory or not.
 
From the local wreakers, it's off some Japanese bike. It can be hard to find one with the headlight on-off though. There was lots of interest in European model KTM dirtbike switches as the USA model ran the headlight constantly and had no ability to turn it off.
 
I had a bit of a peruse on line and there are a bunch of aftermarket switch blocks that have push to cancel indicators as well as a headlight on/off. Here's an example https://www.thirdgear.com.au/yamaha-style-handle-bar-switch-assembly
It also has a trigger-style switch on the front that they call a starter switch, but you could use it as a headlight flash.

Like Vince, I'm not a fan of headlights that are hard wired to be on all the time. I'm tempted to re-wire the headlight on my Benelli so I can switch it off if I want to, with a separate switch somewhere for it. Not sure how I'd do it though because I'd like to retain the high beam flash facility. A bit of head scratching may be required.
 
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I think modern bikes have a facility to allow no headlight power consumption while the bike starts and then light up, or have I dreamed that up.
 
Vince said:
I think modern bikes have a facility to allow no headlight power consumption while the bike starts and then light up, or have I dreamed that up.
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Virtually since day one Vince, the headlight cuts by a relay on starting. My VFR has lights on, it has never been a problem. The law here is permanent lights on for all vehicles. These days lots of cars have automatic lights on, they have LED running lights until the light sensor decides to switch on or off the main lights. Modern headlights also don't draw current like the normal incandescent or halogen we are used to.
 
My Monster has the headlight permanently on except when the starter button is pressed. Stab the button and the engine will crank for five seconds with the headlight off, engine starts and the light comes back on.
As it's the only modern road bike I have ridden since getting the RGS in 83, I was pissed and amazed by the modern technology o_O .
 
Yep. My Benelli is the same as your Monster Terry. Lights on except when starting. I think it's a European compliance thing. Not required here in Australia though.

The Benelli also has two little side (parking?) lights in the fairing, one each side of the main headlight. One of them wasn't working when I took it in for its roadworthy inspection, and the inspector tried to fail the bike for it. So I started quoting the traffic regulations at him. A motorcycle is only required to have one parking light at the front, and I still had one working light, so it still complied with the rules. He tried to argue that if a light is fitted, it must work. But he grudgingly gave it a roadworthy pass on the condition that I fix the light ASAP. I checked the regulations on line when I got home, and I couldn't find anything about optional lights beyond the minimum requirement having to work if fitted. So he just pulled that rule out of his arse. That was a few years ago now, and I still haven't fixed the light. Not for any reason of defiance, but simply because I can't see it when I'm sitting on the bike, so I keep forgetting about it.
 
Day lights aren't a european compliance.
When I'm off for a ride, I turn on the petrol, then the lights once the engine is running.
Apart from my Aprilia which doesn't see much use where all that happens by itself.
Paul
 
The American KTM owners were sorting European left switch blocks because they had lights off switch, apparently, it's an American market thing with no lights off switch.
 
Dellortoman said:
I had a bit of a peruse on line and there are a bunch of aftermarket switch blocks that have push to cancel indicators as well as a headlight on/off. Here's an example https://www.thirdgear.com.au/yamaha-style-handle-bar-switch-assembly
It also has a trigger-style switch on the front that they call a starter switch, but you could use it as a headlight flash.

Like Vince, I'm not a fan of headlights that are hard wired to be on all the time. I'm tempted to re-wire the headlight on my Benelli so I can switch it off if I want to, with a separate switch somewhere for it. Not sure how I'd do it though because I'd like to retain the high beam flash facility. A bit of head scratching may be required.
Click to expand...
Cheers, I’ve ordered one from a 1979 GS550 from eBay. I wanted it to look period as I only intend using the bike on odd weekends. I have modern stuff for regular use.
 
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