Really. The switch started acting funny one day. The next day it wouldn't work at all, just the occasional turn when the switch was being released. A week later it was totally dead - not even a twitch from the starter motor. I stalled on opening it up and looking inside because the kick starter worked great (first kick 95% of the time) and because I'm real busy.
So I got some electrical contact cleaner and last weekend opened up the handlebar control and planned to just give it a good cleaning. When I finally figured out how to get in there (thanks to you guys who told me how!) it was in little dust-like pieces. I literally turned the control upside down and dumped the pieces into a plastic bag!
I got my trusty soldering iron and hard-wired the headlight on (only whenever the ignition is on) and have been kicking it ever since. But I would like to get the switch replaced because: #1 it bugs me not to have it working; and #2 winter is coming and I would like to have an electric backup for when the kicker doesn't work in the cold or it stalls at stoplights on a cambered, icy road; and #3 my girlfriend (who ownsand rides the bike) would like the bike as original as it can be.
So now I have the task of finding a new switch. Or having someone fabricate a stock-ish one for me. I'm not finding it online yet and the local junkyard has a ton of the ugly huge red 80s switches, but none of what I need. I am a little limited by funds, but given some time I'm sure the cost:frustration ratio will justify a little expense.
Here's where I need your expert help and opinions. The bike is a 1976 CB400F. The rider is a cute 26 year old brunette. Please help a damsel in distress (meaning the bike - the rider likes kicking it
) and its poor mechanic. Thanks!
