Topic: Exploded view of key switch

[frostypuck]

So ever since I've owned my current '78 750K, (and EVERY '77, '78 750 or 550 I've owned), when starting the bike, I'd have to reach under the guage mounted key switch and tickle the wiring to get power to the switch and make the lights light, and be able to start the bike. So last week, I went thru this process, when ping! the switch fell apart. Anyway, a quick call to Dennis Kirk, and I had a new replacement one in a few days (>$30). Took less than 15 minutes to install, and now (although it's probably my imagination) the bike runs smoother at idle. I included a picture of the remaining bits of the original switch, for those that haven't seen the guts of these and wondering why your bike key switch doesn't work well....The white disk sits inside the switch, the key turns the nub that turns the disk to make the connections on the wiring connector on the bottom.
Chris in Boston

[SteveD CB500F]

Good post.

This shows why it is so difficult to "repair" these once they're knackered.  I spent many a wet weekend taking my 500 switch apart and resoldering/cleaning the white disk etc.

Bought a new one in the end.

[frostypuck]

I think the key cylinder can be removed so as to be able to use the original key. But, Dennis Kirk also sells a "repair kit" which I think probably has new plastic parts, as well as the spring that went missing on mine, but I can't say, since I never bought one.
Chris in Boston