starter switch

[tmaynard]

Need a new starter switch assembly that mounts on the handlebar of a 1981 special...the button feel out and now it can't start with out messing with it,Thanks

[xssiveone]

Check with Tkat at tkat@tkat.com He makes replacements for these.

[nashville_bill]

You can also buy the button from www.650motorcycles.com/mikesxs.html for $6. He specializes in XS650s but has lots of other parts that also fit the xs1100s.

[uk1.1s]

Wot starter!

It's not just me who this has happened to then - think I'm on my third starter 'button'.

At least I found something that replaced it as I rode for a few years with a screwdriver in my pocket for this job as the internals were OK - just the button gone!

[BrianB]

This thread is very old so I am asking if their are any new places to buy a starter switch/button assembly for the XS1100SG or if anyone modifies their original.

Mine was dificult to push in and would catch on something. After diging into it, I find that the button could use replacing and the metal container/frame that holds the spring and contacts is deformed. I straightened it out but now it is not going back together well at all.

Anybody have any idea as to best way to reassemble or modify or where to get a replacement.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[fredintoon]

Mine fell out years ago

And it was the one on my XS650 but as has been said, it's the same effin' switch.
This isn't for everybody but I lived 'way out in the boonies then and it was Sunday morning.
I took a cheap red plastic handled screwdriver from my toolbox and sawed the blade off short to chuck in my power drill. Clamped the drill down, locked the switch on and ran a file on the rotating handle to turn a new button on the end of it then cut it off with a hacksaw. Installed the new button and went for a ride after lunch. That was in 1987. Still got the bike and that home-made button still works fine.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey BrianB,

MikesXS still has these buttons, but XSChop was also selling some, but I think there is a link in the LINKS section about them also. As for replacing the innards, don't know about that except that you can get a complete switch assembly also from MikesXS! IT might require a little relocating the wires in the plugs to match the XS11's wiring, but a few folks have put these switche assemblies on their machines with success!
T.C.

[John]

The buttons are very easy to replace. I had to replace both horn and starter buttons on the 81. All you have to do ispry apart the mount assembly for the button, slip the new one in, and recrimp the holding assembly. It looks harder than it really is.

[BrianB]

Well I got it working again but went with a Momentary Pushbutton Switch from radio shack. It works great. I started the bike a few times and it seems to be sufficient for the job. It does bother me it is not an OEM item. I will get a stock replacement but in the mean time this will work great. Only took me about 20 minutes to install. Solder wires to terminals, heat shrink wrap, and reassemble. $3.99

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062543&cp=&parentPage=search

[fredintoon]

Don't be bothered

Hi Brian,
you didn't actually replace the OEM switch with an orphan so you have no need to feel ashamed. On the contrary, be proud! By fitting a $3:99 switch from Radio Shack, you made an upgrade.

[81xsproject]

I had the same issue, but since I decided that some day I was going to FI, I needed a push pull assembly. So, I got my a throttle housing and right controls off of a gixxer. Cheap and looks great. Pretty much all bikes have the same controls on the same side. You can probably bet a nice modern pull only one off of some newer bike. It is a very simply rewire.

[BrianB]

Hey thanks for the kind words Fred. This new switch is working great so I will probably leave it. I love History and Classic vehicles and want to keep everything as original as possible. Thats why I was concerned by a replacement switch like this but it has worked flawlessly.