Clutch switch question

[Guest]

Clutch switch wasn't working so I took it apart. Am I missing any parts? Seems like it needs a return spring or something. Maybe the hole that it engages in the clutch lever is just worn out. 79/80 GS850L.

[Gorminrider]

That's all of it, leadfarmer. There's no return spring. The handlebar clutch lever is what "returns" it and it has plenty of spring .

Nice detail pix by the way.

[bwringer]

It does look like the bit that sticks up into the lever is pretty chewed up, and kinda has a weird taper... Did someone sand it down or something?

It's all there, but I'd replace it.

[leadfarmer]

That's all of it, leadfarmer. There's no return spring. The handlebar clutch lever is what "returns" it and it has plenty of spring .

Nice detail pix by the way.

Thanks, I've been around forums enough to know that if I don't provide good info/pictures with a question then I won't get answers.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Spring is inside here. But as said, looks like the plastic is chewed up and may drag.

[Brendan W]

Looks okay to me if that's the spring I see under the shoe in the slider.
I would clean up the tracks and the shoe and make sure the switch is facing the right wayand then get that black plastic bit into the recess in the clutch lever.
Is the clutch lever a replacement aftermarket job?

[Redman]

My comments:

- THe black carrier does look deformend, such that maybe doesnt hold the contact (the u-shaped copper part) in correct position to make contact acraoss the two bars on the other part.

- Was going to say that I dont see a spring, but there it is. Okay.

- DOnt see the surface of the u-shaped part. It can have grooves worn in it there such that doesnt make good contact with one or the other bar.

- Entire Replacement assemblies are available for something like $18.

- I dont recall if it was the brake switch or the clutch swicth, but one time I had difficulty finding a replacement for one of them, but I got the other... it is the same except for the gender of one of the conections on the end of the wiring harness.

- Oh, do you know the switch is adjustable??? Just loosen the screws a little bit and slide it back or forth some to reposition it, then retighten the screws.

[TeamDar]

Before we became too stupid for our own good, motorcycles didn’t have clutch switches. If you feel like you don’t need the switch to safely operate your motorcycle you can easily bypass it. Follow the switch wires into the headlight bucket. Disconnect the two connectors at the end of the wires. Plug the loose ends together that go into the harness. No more pulling the clutch lever to start the engine. Your welcome.

[Steve]

I agree with TeamDar. Using just a #2 Phillips screwdriver, the job can be done in less than two minutes.

.

[Brendan W]

Pulling the clutch is automatic for me.
Battery has enough to do without winding up extra shafts and just because the neutral light is on doesn't mean it's not in gear.........

[Steve]

I usually pull the clutch, too, but there are also the tune-up sessions in the garage, where it's just downright inconvenient to have to use both hands to bump the starter.

.

[salty_monk]

Easy to disconnect... I pull the clutch as a matter of course any way....