Topic: Moving Key Location

[mark52]

Hey all, in the process of restoring a 75 750k and would like to move the key/ignition swiitch from the handle bars to under the lefthand side of the fuel tank.  Search the site but I still have questions, so if anyone has any tips, insight the would like to share I'm all ears.  Thanks

Mark

[chewbacca5000]

Stock these bikes have a bracket that allow you to mount the ignition key switch to the left or right down tubes.  Personally I like the relocation kit as bending over to turn the switch is a pain for me.  There is one on ebay right now CB750 Ignition Switch Bracket and the bikes are up to $25 bucks!  Seems steep for a steel bracket.

[MCRider]

It's actually a rather complicated bracket, multiple bends and folds. yamiya has them new for $65. So many people did to them (me included) what was done to other parts like exhaust pipes. Took them off and pitched them in favor of moving it up on the handlebar. The switch itself wasn't waterproofed for use in that position and many have since failed.

Seems the preferred location for those of us restoring (me included) is to put it back under the tank. And with a dearth of brackets... hence the strong pricing.

I've noticed a few have said it went on the downtube, which isn't exactly correct. It goes on the horizontal tube under the left front of the tank, not the downtube. And there is not enough wire in the stock switch to put it on the right. Left side only.

I think a Gordon frame kit would interfere. I had to make my own bracket to run my APE frame rail kit.

[mark52]

Thanks guys, well any more tips or tricks. I was concerned that if I ever find a bracket, will it need to be welded in or drill and tap the frame? Will the wires still hook up or will that need to be modify also?
I really want to do this but $65 just for the brabket!! Thanks once again for any help of info

Mark

[lucky]

They made those brackets that wrapped around the frame rail for many years 72-76 at least but they are very hard to get.

I was told that since it was very popular to relocate the switch up by the handle bars that most of the brackets got thrown away. I hate when people throw motorcycle parts in the trash. At least take them to your favorite Motorcycle recyclers and give them away, but don't throw them in the trash. Thanks

Anyway I am looking for one of those brackets too.
I saw the one on Ebay and I would not be surprised to see it go for $100.00??

[Johnie]

Mark...here are a some pics to help you see what the bracket looks like (#1). As long as the previous owner did not mess up the electrical connection under the gas tank, a ignition switch should plug right in the female connection like in the picture. Click the pics to enlarge...

[MCRider]

They made those brackets that wrapped around the frame rail for many years 72-76 at least but they are very hard to get.

I was told that since it was very popular to relocate the switch up by the handle bars that most of the brackets got thrown away. I hate when people throw motorcycle parts in the trash. At least take them to your favorite Motorcycle recyclers and give them away, but don't throw them in the trash. Thanks

Anyway I am looking for one of those brackets too.
I saw the one on Ebay and I would not be surprised to see it go for $100.00??

No point in paying $100 for used, Yamiya has them at $65. But I'll bet a lot of shoppers have never heard of Yamiya.

[Stev-o]

I'd like to make the change too. And need a bracket...

[seanbarney41]

anybody want to move it up to the handlebar location?  ...cuz I got a bracket for that that I don't want...

[mark52]

Thanks for the infos and thoughts. Johnie thanks for the pic. It looks like I may have to try a make up a bracket on my own so the pic will give me some idea where to go. If anyone has one laying around, and don't want a arm and leg for it (ha ha) let me know. Thanks to all, this forum has been a big help in my restoration process.

Mark

[VTCBike750]

Just got one from Ebay with an OEM switch.  Keep looking, they show up and can be purchased at a reasonable price.  There was one that sold for I think 14 bucks the other week.