1980 GS1000G clutch lever switch

[Guest]

Been having a problem starting the bike. Lights turn on when I insert the key. In neutral, pull clutch lever, kill switch to on, and nothing when I hit the starter button. Traced problem to clutch lever switch. Wiggle the clutch lever around and bike starts up.
One nasty scratch on end of clutch lever knob. Some vertical play in clutch lever.
Read a thread about disabling switch in headlight housing by bypassing it but would rather have the switch working.
Can this be disassembled and cleaned or can I find a replacement switch or entire clutch lever assembly?

[jsandidge]

Easy to disassemble and clean. Just 2 screws. Watch out for the small spring, they like to fly into areas of the garage you didn't know you have!

[Dogma]

You can replace the switch with new parts, though I can't find a link to a whole assembly just now. Anyhow, follow that link to replace worn or missing parts.

I'm not sure if the clutch safety switch is adjustable like the front brake light switch: Loosen the screws, slide to the new position, re-tighten the screws.

I've been riding old GS bikes with disabled clutch safety switches for something like 7 years now without an instance of starting with the clutch out that caused a problem. On one occasion I had a broken clutch cable and needed to start in gear with the clutch out. Thinking about it a bit more, I think it might actually be safer without the switch. if you try to start in gear with the clutch out, the bike will jump. But it won't start unless you hold the start button. Especially if you're in the habit of holding the brake when you hit the button. (Highly recommended!) If you start in gear thinking you're in neutral and let the clutch out, the bike may take off. Maybe not, but more likely if the bike is choked and idling high. It's your bike though. Your call.

[salty_monk]

Usually there are a couple of bullet connectors either in the headlight shell or under the tank. You can just unplug the switch leads & plug the others in.

My feeling on a clutch switch is that you don't really need one unless you have a habit of starting the bike when you're not on it (which I never do). The bike may jerk forward but you are unlikely to drop it if you have your feet planted.

A sidestand switch is actually more of a lifesaver than a clutch switch.

[JTGS850GL]

If you have a lot of play in the lever you may want to consider picking up a new one as well. Ya, disassembly and cleaning is easy but as others have warned, be careful of springs and things popping out as you remove the plastic housing. It helps to tilt the clutch lever assembly so the switch faces up before you start the disassembly. Just use some sand paper to clean the contacts and the slide. You can adjust the switch to turn on by loosening the screws and sliding the assembly one way or the other to alter the set point. If you do loose the parts you can find them available through the online dealers of on ebay. Just search for "GS1000 front brake switch" and a number of them should show up. I believe that the parts will change over from the brake to the clutch switch.

[Dogma]

If you have a lot of play in the lever you may want to consider picking up a new one as well. Ya, disassembly and cleaning is easy but as others have warned, be careful of springs and things popping out as you remove the plastic housing. It helps to tilt the clutch lever assembly so the switch faces up before you start the disassembly. Just use some sand paper to clean the contacts and the slide. You can adjust the switch to turn on by loosening the screws and sliding the assembly one way or the other to alter the set point. If you do loose the parts you can find them available through the online dealers of on ebay. Just search for "GS1000 front brake switch" and a number of them should show up. I believe that the parts will change over from the brake to the clutch switch.

They don't. I tried to go the other way once. The housing and the little circuit board with the contacts are different, maybe more.

[Steve]

A sidestand switch is actually more of a lifesaver than a clutch switch.

I would agree with you if the sidestand switch was part of the starting (or not) circuit.

On the GS bikes, the sidestand switch only turns on a light on the instrument panel. Nothing more. Nothing less.

.

[GS850GFan]

Another great thread...thanks guys!

[argonsagas]

As said by others, the switch is easy to open/repair, but springs have a nasty habit of finding places to hide.

There is a simple way to avoid that. Just put a clear plastic bag over the handlebars, put your screwdrivers n it and work inside the bag. The bags you get from dry cleaners are excellent. This is a small area to work on so they will sag but you can bunch them a bit and avoid that problem. You will never lose a spring.