Left Handle part - What is this?

[Anonymous]

I have a 1980 GS1100E.

On the bottom of the left handlebar, just inside of the grip, there is some sort of contact plate.

On this diagram, I'm talking about parts 6 thru 12.

I seem to be missing at least the lower half of this part as the contact plate (the part between 8 and 9) just sorta hangs there in the open.

Bike bandit lists the main thing that is missing as "THRMINAL BACE C".

Anyone have an idea of what this is and should I be worried?

Thanks,
- Tony

[kz]

Could be the starter disconnect switch, which came on some markets.

If the clutch is not engaged, it is not possible to run the starter.

On both my -81 and -84 GS, the parts 6 -12 aren't mounted stock, but the slot and the two holes are there.

We don't need a switch like that here (thats wy they didn't came stock), but maybe your local regulations say you have to have the switch.

[duaneage]

It is OK to bypass this switch as long as you remember to start the bike in Neutral. You'll get a nice surpise if the bike is in 1st gear when it lights off.

[Giblet]

Ditto

Sounds like someone already circumvented the starter safety switch. Mine fell apart and rather than get a new one I just cut the wires and tied them together. Probably not the best solution but, you only forget to make sure its in neutral once .

[jhw84]

Yea, those little doodads are a pain... I had a clutch safety switch until it went out, and I thought my starter relay was bad... After a little while with the meter, I figured out what the problem was and bypassed it in my headlight.

[Anonymous]

It is OK to bypass this switch as long as you remember to start the bike in Neutral. You'll get a nice surpise if the bike is in 1st gear when it lights off.

Been there, done that, learned my lesson.

Thanks everyone. Now that I know what it is, I know I can safely ignore it.

- Tony