clutch switch relocate

[Peteortiz11]

Has anyone ever tried or done this?

In an effort to keeps wires and cables to a bare minimum on the handle bars, I've eliminated the brake light switch from the brake level and used a hydraulic switch in the brake line joint just under the headlight. Works super great! Now, my challenge is how or where can I relocate the clutch switch (from the clutch perch) so as to eliminate the wire from the bars as well?

I know, sounds crazy but as i stated earlier, I'm going for the minimalist look.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Check your wiring diagram (or just follow the wires). I believe the connector may be in the headlight bucket. It’s usually a simple matter to eliminate the clutch switch. The male / female connector are set up so that you can remove the switch and complete the circuit without even redoing any of the connectors. So I’ve read.

I’m sure you know that eliminating that switch means you’ll be able to start the bike without the clutch engaged. Well, I might not start, it might just throw you off and potentially cause unknown damage to you or other nearby persons, pets or objects.

 

[bitzz]

'60s and '70s Triumphs and BSAs have a brake light switch in the cable jacket of the front brake cable. Maybe you could adapt that.

 

[Who Dat?]

Rich has the right idea. You can remove the switch entirely. Just follow the wires into the headlight bucket, where you will find bullet connectors into the main harness. Fortunately, one is male, the other is female, so you can pull the wires from the switch, then re-connect the main harness wires to each other.

As Rich also warns, ... if you are not in Neutral, the bike will move if the clutch is not pulled.

I have often offered this as a bypass option to those who are tired of pulling the clutch every time. I ask if they would like it, telling them it's a simple 2-minute mod that is reversible. I have actually performed the operation in 1 minute, 38 seconds. It only involves removing the headlight, changing the connections, re-installing the light.

 

[Peteortiz11]

Thanks Gents!! I really dont want to eliminate the switch; I do like the idea Bitzz came up with. I'll look into that. Thanks again for your responses.

 

[Grimly]

When you forget to check it's in neutral once, you will always check thereafter, so the lack of switch is no biggie. And the lack of switch removes another potential failure point, just like the neutral-light interlock.
Just another attempt to sanitise motorcycles and make them 'safer'.
Shyyyit, if I wanted to ride safely, I'd not buy a motorcycle in the first place.

 

[rphillips]

Your cable has got to be there anyway, possibly run the existing wire in a spiral loom along with the cable to under the tank then bring wires from headlight bucket to under tank, and connect them there. Just a thought.

 

[Peteortiz11]

Great ideas! thx all!

 

[bwringer]

Assuming you're on a GS850, which has the little exposed lever down on the right side of the bike, you could easily rig up a rear brake light switch to actuate from that lever on the cases.

Or just do what most of us end up doing and bypass the stupid janky unreliable thing.

 

[TxGSrider]

I removed mine all together. So far it aint ran off without me.

 

[KiwiAlfa156]

GS in some other markets shipped from the factory without the clutch/ starter cut off and no provision in the wiring loom for one. We never had them and it's never been a problem. Just remove it unless it needs to be retained for legal reasons.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

You can certainly disconnect the clutch/start feature. Most people will probably never have an issue. Just have to remember to be sure bike is not in gear before you press the start button. Order of operation should get ingrained in muscle memory. For me, I don’t recall if my 1972 DT 250, nor the 1986 200X needed the clutch pulled in to start, but they were kick-start. It became immediately clear if in gear when attempting to start. Every bike I’ve had since having my license needed the clutch engaged in order to start, as does my MINI. It’s an ingrained startup procedure on my bikes and car. Key on, clutch engaged, press start.

 

[Peteortiz11]

Yea you guys are right! its ingrained in me to pull the clutch anyway each time I start the bike so I'm just gonna remove the thing. Thanks again!

 

[rphillips]

Why yes, only time them things were ever helpful was when somebody screwed up, and I sure ain't never go'in to do that.

 

[chuck hahn]

Do away with it. just plug the two leads in the headlight bucket together

 

[salty_monk]

The only time I've ever seen anyone have an issue with this is if they regularly start the bike whilst they are not on it to "warm it up".... I don't do that.

 

[Rob S.]

The only time I've ever seen anyone have an issue with this is if they regularly start the bike whilst they are not on it to "warm it up".... I don't do that.

I once stood next to my 1971 Honda CB350 while it rested on the side stand. Turned the key, pressed the button...

And she left without me. I was quite surprised at how far she went perfectly upright.

 

[rphillips]

Yeah, don't need them very often, but sure handy when it is needed. 1971 CB350, nobody'd ever thought of a clutch switch back then