Handlebar Switchgear

[tlangman4]

Hi All-

I am searching for replacement electronic switchgear for my ‘78 R100/7 which was recently purchased. My last airhead was sold about 15 years ago, and at that time I believe I was still able to obtain new ones. It appears the factory understandably no longer produces these. Is anyone aware of high quality copies being made or perhaps sources of NOS switches somewhere? With the high number of airheads still on the road along with the uniqueness of the switchgear, it just seems that some source must still exist. If not, any suggestions for alternatives (short of used on eBay) is appreciated.

 

[20774]

I see that Motobins has a right-side switch that would work. It may be different than what you have now.

Also, check the used parts section in the link in my signature line.

 

[r1200rst]

Try Euromotoelectrics in Colorado.

 

[20774]

Try Euromotoelectrics in Colorado.

They have a lot of wiring, but I didn't see any handlebar switch assemblies.

Just checked BMW Huckys...he's having a clearance sale...I wonder if he's going out of business. Anyway, for the /7 he shows a left-hand combination switch assembly, part 61 31 1 243 598.

 

[88bmwjeff]

They have a lot of wiring, but I didn't see any handlebar switch assemblies.

Euro motoectrics has the switches under Electrical System > Relays & Switches > Combination Switches. However, they do not have any switches for Pre 09/1978. Although they list the pre 09/1978 switches, they are indicated to be NLA and not available. https://www.euromotoelectrics.com/category-s/3406.htm

 

[20774]

Euro motoectrics has the switches

Thanks...good to know. I looked and looked and just couldn't find them!

 

[tlangman4]

Thanks everyone! I was able to score on the left hand side, but no luck for the right side, pre 9-78.
Given the number of airheads still in the road and the uniqueness of the switchgear, it seems odd that no source exits for these switches. I suppose that’s what happens given the years since production..

 

[lkchris]

Just an FYI ... the switch change for 1979 was just cosmetic and these switches will work on '77'-'78, maybe some earlier.

Biggest change of course is moving turn signal switch to left side. Its all same wire colors, same plug in points.

This is, of course, an opportunity to have headlight on/off, which '78-on didn't have. Requires different headlight relay in addition, if you do.

 

[melville]

Just an FYI ... the switch change for 1979 was just cosmetic and these switches will work on '77'-'78, maybe some earlier.

Biggest change of course is moving turn signal switch to left side. Its all same wire colors, same plug in points.

This is, of course, an opportunity to have headlight on/off, which '78-on didn't have. Requires different headlight relay in addition, if you do.

The headlight relay is the same, just wired in differently. I've set up an earlier bike as 'always-on' headlight when the handlebar switch became dodgy.

If changing to a switchable headlight, wire the new handlebar control as you'd expect. It replaces the green wire that runs from the key switch to the headlight relay.

Then replace the black wire on the other side of the relay with a wire directly to a ground (brown) spade on the junction board. There may be a extra brown wire already in the headlight shell for this.

I have a 1979 RS and a couple earlier bikes and getting used to that left side turn signal is taking some doing. That said, as it goes left and right rather than up and down, the use of the thing is a bit more natural when I remember 'left thumb for turn!'

 

[RPGR90s]

Thanks everyone! I was able to score on the left hand side, but no luck for the right side, pre 9-78.
Given the number of airheads still in the road and the uniqueness of the switchgear, it seems odd that no source exits for these switches. I suppose that’s what happens given the years since production..

Just take it apart, clean it and lube it.

 

[lkchris]

The headlight relay is the same, just wired in differently. I've set up an earlier bike as 'always-on' headlight when the handlebar switch became dodgy.

If changing to a switchable headlight, wire the new handlebar control as you'd expect. It replaces the green wire that runs from the key switch to the headlight relay.

Then replace the black wire on the other side of the relay with a wire directly to a ground (brown) spade on the junction board. There may be a extra brown wire already in the headlight shell for this.

I have a 1979 RS and a couple earlier bikes and getting used to that left side turn signal is taking some doing. That said, as it goes left and right rather than up and down, the use of the thing is a bit more natural when I remember 'left thumb for turn!'

Sorry, but there are different part numbers for '77 and '78 USA models.

You'll find that with headlights switched off, the headlight will iluminate when the starter is running if using the newer relay.

 

[melville]

Sorry, but there are different part numbers for '77 and '78 USA models.

You'll find that with headlights switched off, the headlight will iluminate when the starter is running if using the newer relay.

I have 1975, 1978, and 1979 Airheads and the spec (see the diagram on the side for the internal power paths) of the relay is the same for all of them. The difference is in the wiring as I described in my post.