Mystery Switch

[desertrefugee]

Newly acquired '97 Standard.  Nicely maintained.

But, I have this mystery switch (a momentary on type) just forward of the right side cover behind the carbs.  Somebody had Scotchlocked it into the harness going (near as I can tell) into the starter solenoid.  I haven't peeled back the tape yet to see exactly which wires are tapped, but does anybody have an idea as to the possible application of such a switch?

I can (and will) consult with the schematic, but I thought there might be a common mod here that the PO has done that I'm not aware of ... yet.

For the record, I absolutely hate Scotch Lock electrical connectors.  They are a curse and should be avoided like the plague.

The Switch:


Where it goes:

[Ricky-D]

What does it matter.  If you hate it, just remove it.

That's the safest thing to do.

You could also press it while the bike is "on".

That isn't necessarily safe however.

***

[dpcarson]

I can't remember if that is the self destruct or the machine gun headlights.

[Tx Bohemian]

Just contact the previous owner and ask.

[John Schmidt]

Reminds me of my push button down by the seat release keyhole. It's for my garage door opener. I just took the opener apart and soldered the switch wires to where the push button on the opener contacted. A few years ago a friend was over and I had already removed the seat, I have the opener sitting on top of the battery cover and he pointed to it and asked if that was a garage door opener. Yes....then continued with what I was doing while watching his face, which had a real puzzled look on it. He finally asked if that wasn't a little inconvenient with it under the seat, to which I answered "yes, you have to be quick."  I finally asked him to hand me the key which I had left in the seat release....and while you're down there, press that black button....which he did. When the garage door started to move he about cleared my workbench. His answer after gathering himself; "I should'a known!"   

[salty1]

As you probably know, the switch isn't OEM. I've got a similar switch but it is used to turn on the "lizard" lights the PO installed. 

[bassman]

M'be some kind of security switch / button to help prevent theft???  Type that needs to be engaged before bike will start???

[BamaDrifter64]

Be careful...that's the ejection seat switch I had installed during my James Bond phase!   

[old2soon]

I have a toggle switch in approximately the same area that activates my 4-way flashers. Course you don't KNOW the secret code it zaps yer ass with 5000 volts!  RIDE SAFE.

[desertrefugee]

You guys are nuts.   

No help at all...except raising a smile from my crotchety carcass.

Never mind.  I'll 'figger' it out all by myself.  And if it's the coolest, sexiest mod ever to come down the pike, I'm keepin' it all to myself!

 

[Gryphon Rider]

I can only think of a couple of uses for a momentary switch there:
1. Garage door opener.
2. Anti-theft device.  Like maybe the bike will only start if the button is pressed first, actuating a latching relay, or while the start button is pressed.

[da prez]

  Turn ignition key on , press switch. If engine cranks it is the starter button bypass. If nothing at all happens , then it is the useless switch. You could find out what wire it goes into and check the schematic .

                           da prez

[Tx Bohemian]

Really?!?!

You don't want to just ask the AZ motorcycle cop you bought the bike from that kept it in pristine condition?

I'd bet he probably knows.

[Bone]

Maybe it's a anti-theft electric fuel solenoid reset button.

[BF]

That's the switch you use to dump oil out behind the bike when Spectre is chasing you. 

[Chrisj CMA]

I would bet the dude had a bad starter switch at the handlebar so he but that in there to use a starter instead of fixing the problem