Motorcycle Switches - How they work and how to test them

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In this video I dismantle the handlebar control switches from a motorcycle and explain how they work. I show you how to test all the main switches using a multimeter. I give some tips on how you might fix a faulty switch and when you might need to consider replacing it.
Problems with the switches are usually rare enough but when you have a problem, its always worth taking the switch unit off the the handlebar and taking a look inside to see if there is any obvious problem such as light corrosion that you can remedy easily without having to buy a new switch control unit. Some of the switches have spring mounted conductors inside so beware as if you try to open some of the smaller switches you may find that a number of small pieces pop out which you might not be able to get back together.

[@gobbel600]

You saved my life🇩🇰🇩🇰🤟🌅. Thanks a lot!

[@qaisarawan93]

Excellent content very in depth explanation. Awesome. Wish you channel to grow up quickly

[@stefanm67]

Fantastic explanation. Thank you.... ❤

[@kavishkaperera9364]

love it man thanks ❤❤❤

[@bsastarfire250]

great vid

[@mlisunep]

Thank you fine gentleman.

[@Harnas31]

Could you do a diagnostic for the ignition switch [ key] ?

[@BreathingFire]

Sometimes contact surfaces are oxidated. Ohmmetter will show you normal resistance, but it will not proper work. Thats why power contacts sometimes must be tested with real load.

[@daverush2426]

I am building a large mini bike, I have it running really good and fast, Now I need to wire up all the lights, I have everything mounted, Head lights, Turn signals/running lights, etc. I bought the same switches as on the video, What I need to know is, What wires are the positive in that supply power to the Lights, Horn, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@northeast7412]

My bike has an off/run/off switch, a 2 position light switch, and a start push button, when I turn my key on with the ignition and press the start button it starts the bike regardless of which position the off/run/off switch is in, it also continues to run whichever position that switch is at if I move it, my next issue is my lights will only come on when I put that 3 way switch to the run position but this then also starts the motorcycle without pressing the start button, it continues to turn over the starter motor until I turn the light switch to the off position, any ideas what is going on with this? I really want to keep the switch as it’s the original 1980 switch for my Kawasaki. If I do have to replace it, would wires be the same colour on all switches?
P.s I also have parasitic drain of around 1v loss over a 12 hour period, could this be cos of this issue with this switch?

[@armandoquezada5559]

This cuts off power to both ignition and to the starter correct? Mine appears to worm. If I flip the switch I hear the fuel pump primer, but I am getting very weak spark on both spark plugs. The engine will crank over twice then spark. I already tested and replaced stator, rectifier, battery and ignition coils.... bad cdi? It's for a 2014 yamaha bolt. I can get it running if I bump start it.

[@mulle2992]

Hey
I am having the same issue
Did you fix yours? And how?☺️

[@daverush2426]

I don't think the CDI would be bad, I don't think it would run even by bump starting it. I think you should have the solenoid on the starter and the starter checked out. I'm pretty sure that's what your problem is.. I hope this helps you and you get it running..

[@colinwhite144]

Hi I've got far tyre bike I bought motor bike switch for turn signal I like the way you click to right and comes back to middle then press to turn off its the same as what your doing video on but I took it apart cut all the wires out except the gray common blue and orange that's the 3 that goes to switch I've been trying to put iy6bsck together it's one piece with a rachet plastic the mane switch it had spring and a ball that push in when I put in holder there's a swivel wivh can be put two ways but I'm trying to wo4oit how switch makes a contact with right and left wires is it a magnet switch. What happened ia was careful taking it apart when I put on bench it came apart it's got plaster jaw teeth on same side. It's hard to explain it's a modern one from amazon I've been on utube trying to get video of a switch taken apart then put back together it's trying to work out we're teet go the brass finger piece has two prongs but can't see where they make connact there's nothing