Shot turn signal switch - '82 GS850G

[dimlocator]

Wow, not the greatest design for longevity.
I've got an '82 GS850G with 21k miles on it and the turnsignal switch is completely shot. The four way switch, up/down for the lights, left/right for the signals. Took it completely apart, spring is completely mutilated and a lot of the internal plastic bits are dry rotted and broken. From the outside the thing looks almost new. I've had it apart three times trying to get it to work but it is toast.

Went to two cycle parts yards and they both snickered and said "good luck".

So... any ideas what might work? Hoping to find a switch with seperate light switch and signal switch.

From the reaction I got from the parts yard people this is a common problem. Anyone else experiecned this!?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Won't ride without signals!

Thanks!

[bwringer]

Hm... mine still works fine at 110,000 miles. Perhaps someone tried to clean yours out in the past with something that ate the plastic.

These things are somewhat hard to find -- we struck out last time we looked down at Cycle Recycle II -- but they do pop up all the time on eBay. A switch pod from any GS with auto-cancel signals (shafties only, I think) should work

And if you can live without auto-cancel, you can use the switch pod from pretty much any GS.

[Guest]

Wow, not the greatest design for longevity.
!

I have a 82 with almost perfect controls, work and look great and I'd bet dollars to doughnuts they're original.
I also have a 78 1000 and both controls were shot! Rusted and rotted. Found almost perfect replacements on Ebay.

The moral of my little story is, some last, some dont, some good, some aint so good.
I think the biggest question is why in the heck didnt PO's take better care of these motorcyles? Experience shows that items people enjoy and take pride in are usually taken care of.

Ok, Im done with my rant.

Give Ebay a shot and be patient, you'll get what you want at a price you're willing to pay.

[DanTheMan]

I replaced mine with a left hand switch off of a donor '78 'Wing (no self cancel. Oh Well!!)