found the first problem :(

[FreshStart]

so have found my first problem with my new bike. the key ignition switch is not functioning properly, sometime the bike will switch on sometimes it wont. so i pulled the plug from the back, applied some emory cloth and dielectric grease and the problem was still there, so i am 90 percent sure ti is the key/tumbler assembly itself. dont want to replace it as it is original and has the original key sooo here is my question, can i put the ignition on a switch and what wires do i use to do it (color). i tried reading a wiring harness but.its all jibberish backwards talk to me.

[Flyboy]

It is probably just the contacts at the bottom of the switch, I don't know the 1100 but I am sure that the actual contact plate (for want of a better word) seperates off the lock/tumbler assy with two screws or so, clean up the contacts, maybe stretch the springs a little to give more positive contact. (watch out for ping gones when stripping) maybe strip it in a plastic bag so nothing gets lost.

[FreshStart]

Will go try that now.

[Nessism]

The ignition switch assembly is made from two parts: an electrical switch and a mechanical key cylinder device. The electrical switch bolts to the bottom of the mechanical key cylinder component. If you remove the switch assembly you will see what I'm talking about. Sounds like you need a new electrical switch - you can keep the key cylinder part. Shouldn't be too hard to find

[FreshStart]

Hmmm well i cant get to it yet as my tool kit is in my wifes truck and i sent her on a parts run (isnt she great) but can anyone answer my original question, which wires would i put the switch on

[Nessism]

Wiring diagram is in the factory service manual. You can download it for free here... http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

That should allow you to find the answer you need.

[FreshStart]

as i said before its backwards jibberish to me. plus im on a droid and cannot download pdf. anywaysulled the switch and disassembled it, it was filthy inside and corroded so more emory cloth and dielectric grease, reinstalled still nothing so the wires comin from the switch are as follows grey, brown, orange and red, labeled with letters on the switch h,b,m,t respectiveley. figuref i could jump the wires through the plug and if that solves the problem i need a new switch, if it doesnt then its another problem. any input or suggestions

[850 Combat]

Red = Hot from the main fuse
Orange = Switched hot from the ignition switch back to the fuse box
Brown = Tail light
Grey = dash lights / License plate light

Put the red to the orange, and you should have everything except tail light and dash lights and license plate lights. Put the all four wires together, and you will have the whole mess turned on, if that is what you were asking. The color wiring diagram on Bike Cliff's site is very good, although I was unable to adequately convert it to a PDF.

[FreshStart]

So i jammed a couple blade fuses into the female end of the plug and voila fired right up. so i thought had to be the switch, since i had already taken it apart and seen how it worked (simple wheel with copper contcts thanks flyboy) i took it apart again, recleaned it and packed it with dielectric grease, this time tested it, that said it worked so i installed it, turned the key and she fired right up again. so she runs and runs great! thanks for all the help on this

[Flyboy]

Glad to hear you got it sorted
Now go and get some miles under your ass before that white $hit starts falling again.

[Steve]

One of the items in the "things to do to your 'new' bike" is to clean ALL the electrical contacts.

You now have this one done and out of the way.

.