Topic: What is purpose of the front brake switch/clutch switch?

[krksquared]

Part no. is 35340‑329‑003. Mine isn't doing anything. It's not functional on the end that inserts in the left (clutch) lever and it isn't connected to anything in the headlight bucket. Am I missing something? Bike is a 75 CB400F.

[krksquared]

Ah-ha. I'm guessing it is used to prevent starting unless the clutch is disengaged?

[przjohn]

BINGO! Actually it was a fear by Japanese executives of the Ambulance Lawyer Mentality that was being born in the US. Harley Davidson had no such fear since they were owned by a bowling ball company and were more worried about somebody slipping on the lanes than staring a bike in gear. Though I may be wrong but I think they finally put an in gear safety 40 years later.

[jonda500]

I don't think CB400F's had the starter safety switch in Australia? - I'm pretty sure mine didn't.
John

[TwoTired]

The idea was to only allow the electric starter to engage when the trans was in neutral or the clutch pulled in.

Don't want the bike to lurch forward while on the side stand from starter operation... Crunch.

Do want the starter to engage if you just let the clutch out too fast and stalled it in traffic, for a quick restart after pulling the clutch back in.

Cheers,