IS side stand switch

[gordonv]

I know that it's not functioning properly, bike still runs when the stand is down and the bike is in gear.

I removed the connector and tested for continuity, but didn't get an Ohm reading either down or up. I prefer my quality meter, but it's at work, using a cheapy portable one in my tool kit.

The IS model doesn't have a side stand indicator lamp, like the other bikes.

Wondering if I should remove the switch entirely from the bike, and look it over on the table instead.

How easy is it to activate the switch, or does it need the side stand for the leverage to move it?

Maybe it's not installed correctly on the side stand?

[pancho]

First thing I would do gordonv, is lift the bike and check it out to see if it is installed and functioning properly as the side stand is operated. If so, put the ohm meter on the switch side and see if it goes from a short to open as the stand is moved. If you remove it, it is just a switch and rotates with very little pressure.

[pancho]

There is just one bolt holding the switch into place, it can be removed with the bike on a lift to check it's physical operation. It almost has to be there, and in the up position for the bike to stay running when it is put into gear. Watch for the position of the washer and plate when reassembling.



The wiring connection is a bogger to get to as it is in that bundle in front of the battery box in the cover but that would be the next place to check the electrical workings if the switch is mechanically operational.

[Bighead]

I wouldn't worry too much if it were me. Hate the damn thing anyway.

[gordonv]

It's a safety switch. Hate the possibility of what could happen if the spring breaks while the switch is not functioning.

Bighead, thanks for the pic. Read the manual a few times. If I can get the bike staying up, shouldn't have much trouble. Will remove and test again. Thanks for the pics.

[pancho]

I wouldn't worry too much if it were me. Hate the damn thing anyway.

The kill switch I never had any use for,, the stand switch I like,,, ,many times I would have taken off with it down if not for that being operational.  I did it plenty on the FLH and got a surprise the first time I leaned to the left. Dumped me once in Sutherlands parking lot.

[Jess from VA]

My Hog would start and leave the scene right smartly in first gear.

I once had a few folks admiring my bike at the gas pump, and scared the crap out of them and myself when I hit the starter and jerked away from the pump... quite unintentionally.   It looked cool, but could have been a small disaster had anyone or a car been in front of me.  At least the hose nozzle was not still stuck down in the tank.

(Actually, this was the no-neutral-switch, not the no side-stand-switch.)

[Bubba FoSho]

The kickstand safety switch is more important than the kill switch. I do know if you loose the kickstand spring and you don't have a bungee cord to hold the kickstand up while you're riding, it's a pain in the butt too shift gears and hold the stand up at the same time with your left foot.. I used a long brake shoe spring off a 1/2 ton chevy truck.. It's been on there since 07.

[Jess from VA]

I carry zip ties for this (and other purposes).  (Also carry the kickstand repair parts on-board)

You just have to find something to lean the bike against if you have to stop on the way home.

[gordonv]

Decided to remove the side stand switch. Had the neighbor hold the bike up, while I removed the bolt/switch. Only took a few minutes, no issue with the spring there.

Here is the switch.


Notice anything wrong?

Will still place a meter on it, but I now see the pin has been bent flat, and wasn't being activated. Tried to straighten it back up, and it broke off. Looking at replacing the switch. $50 new from Partzilla. Made an offer on ebay for a Best Offer posting.

[pancho]

Was the bolt loose, or was the washer missing to allow that to happen?

Actually, for it to be bent in that direction, it almost had to be put on out of place, and tightened down like that.

[gordonv]

I don't believe the bolt was loose, just snug, and a washer feel out.

Washer needs to go in the right place?

My thoughts exactly. Someone had installed it and cranked it down, without aligning it into the hole.

[pancho]

"Washer needs to go in the right place?"  yep, the washer needs to go inside the switch, next to the stand bolt.

[pancho]

My Hog would start and leave the scene right smartly in first gear.

I once had a few folks admiring my bike at the gas pump, and scared the crap out of them and myself when I hit the starter and jerked away from the pump... quite unintentionally.   It looked cool, but could have been a small disaster had anyone or a car been in front of me.  At least the hose nozzle was not still stuck down in the tank.

(Actually, this was the no-neutral-switch, not the no side-stand-switch.)

Yeah,, I had people looking and talking about my bike when I got dumped in Sutherlands lot..... that was a quick takeoff out of a tight spot with the stand down  ......  bring ya down to size quick ......

[Ricky-D]

If the side stand spring has been replaced, that could be the reason for the failure of the switch to operate properly. The bolt that holds the spring end also serves as the controller for the switch by being the means to activate the switch. The bolt is supposed to go thru the hole in the switch arm as the means to "throw" the switch.

***

[gordonv]

I brought the switch to work today. Put it on my quality meter, and it works. Rotate, and it functions from off to on.

Placed it in the continuity position, and taped it. It would never rotate on it's own, but wanted the added security of the tape to hold it.

I checked my bike, without the switch attached. Running, put it in gear, and the engine dies. So I know that the switch was doing it's job of letting me ride, but even with the stand down, as far as the bike was concerned, the stand was up.

I plugged the switch back in, and started the bike in gear, and it ran. I'm back to how it was when I bought it.

Just bought a replacement switch on-line. Now I can ride, but will try not too, until the replacement shows up next month, and it will be Safe to ride.