Alternative Handlebar Switches

LanceR75 · 01-03-2013, 03:34 PM

Looking to replace the original, beat-up, and not quite working left and right control switches with a modern pair. I obviously want the same functionality (start, blinkers, horn, lo-hi beam) but keep it simple. Anyone done this? Any suggestions on what to look for that would work?

Cheers!

Biebs · 01-03-2013, 03:46 PM

Assuming a 71 BMW r75/5 by your signature.

Please confirm.

You have the /5 switch gear also used on the /6 model.

Ok - do not know of any modern switch gear you can use. Maybe some UJM switch gear will work but would not be easy.

oldroadie · 01-03-2013, 03:55 PM

Surely you could pick something here that would work and order It off Amazon:
http://www.kandstech.com/index.php?p...itchescontrols

disston · 01-03-2013, 03:59 PM

I think the real problem would be the diameter of the bars, wiring can be faked.

Our bars are metric and all the switches are made for something else? Is it 22 mm vs. 7/8" ?

LanceR75 · 01-03-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biebs

Assuming a 71 BMW r75/5 by your signature.

Please confirm.

You have the /5 switch gear also used on the /6 model.

Ok - do not know of any modern switch gear you can use. Maybe some UJM switch gear will work but would not be easy.

Yep, 71 /5

oldroadie · 01-03-2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disston

I think the real problem would be the diameter of the bars, wiring can be faked.

Our bars are metric and all the switches are made for something else? Is it 22 mm vs. 7/8" ?

No argument about the size diff. I was just responding to the alternative request in the thread title assuming a 1/64th inch shim wouldn't pose a dilemma.

Big Bamboo · 01-03-2013, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LanceR75

Yep, 71 /5

I'd stick with stock, for many reasons, but mostly so the next owner doesn't wonder WTF was the PO thinking...

chollo9 · 01-03-2013, 10:11 PM

The biggest problem with going that route is where are you going to fit it? Mounted inboard of the existing housing would be a pretty long reach.

I did, at one point, run one of those type switches (actually an OEM Yamaha), and a Magura dogleg clutch lever. Certainly not plug & play though. You should be able to get all of the functions except starter button in the LH switch. I would use a momentary kill switch as a starter button on the right so you wouldn't have to modify anything else.

When I had a /5 I loved the switches, but I see they are almost $100 now!

01-03-2013, 03:34 PM	#1
LanceR75 ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2012 Location: NW Washington Oddometer: 44	Alternative Handlebar Switches Looking to replace the original, beat-up, and not quite working left and right control switches with a modern pair. I obviously want the same functionality (start, blinkers, horn, lo-hi beam) but keep it simple. Anyone done this? Any suggestions on what to look for that would work? Cheers! __________________ 1971 BMW R75/5

01-03-2013, 03:46 PM	#2
Biebs BMW Airhead Joined: Mar 2012 Location: Cave Creek AZ Oddometer: 235	Assuming a 71 BMW r75/5 Assuming a 71 BMW r75/5 by your signature. Please confirm. You have the /5 switch gear also used on the /6 model. Ok - do not know of any modern switch gear you can use. Maybe some UJM switch gear will work but would not be easy. __________________ Airhead 1974 R75/6 & 1989 R100GS

01-03-2013, 03:59 PM	#4
disston ShadeTreeExpert Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Silver Spring, Md Oddometer: 5,020	I think the real problem would be the diameter of the bars, wiring can be faked. Our bars are metric and all the switches are made for something else? Is it 22 mm vs. 7/8" ? __________________ Never memorize something you can look up. ---Albert Einstein

01-03-2013, 10:11 PM	#8
chollo9 Screwed the Pooch Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Silk Hope, NC Oddometer: 496	The biggest problem with going that route is where are you going to fit it? Mounted inboard of the existing housing would be a pretty long reach. I did, at one point, run one of those type switches (actually an OEM Yamaha), and a Magura dogleg clutch lever. Certainly not plug & play though. You should be able to get all of the functions except starter button in the LH switch. I would use a momentary kill switch as a starter button on the right so you wouldn't have to modify anything else. When I had a /5 I loved the switches, but I see they are almost $100 now! __________________ If your gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough When you get knocked down you gotta get back up, I ain't the sharpest knife in the drawer but I know enough, to know, If your gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough

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01-03-2013, 03:55 PM	#3
oldroadie /5 dirt road wannabe Joined: Feb 2010 Location: North Alabama mountains Oddometer: 342	Surely you could pick something here that would work and order It off Amazon: http://www.kandstech.com/index.php?p...itchescontrols