Ignition Switch problem

[gargoyle_house]

I have a 78 XS1100E, and recently changed the fork oil (since it hadn't been done for, oh, 10,000 miles...) and I must have tapped (or hit more likely) the ignition switch on my bike with something when remounting the handlebars- the two small bolts that seem to hold the switch to the connector are damaged -- one is gone completely, the other was mounted in plastic and that has broken. Of course, I was 170 miles from home in Boston when I realized I had damaged the switch, but after removing the windshield, handlebars, and instruments, a bit of electrical tape around the thing held it in place until I returned to VT. It's still working, but isn't really 'attached' to the connector, other than with the tape and the handlebar hold-down bracket.

Does anyone know if the ignition switch on MikesXs.com is the same one?

http://www.mikesxs.net/product/12-4035.html

It sure looks almost the same.

Or do you know where I can buy another one -- problem, of course, is I hate to have two keys for one bike...the tank lock and helmet lock work great with the key. Any way to swap the 'innerds' of the broken and new switch? Or, other advice, like, how to remount the current switch to the connector? Thanks.

Ron Butzlaff
Wells River, VT

[GLoweVA]

Here's the OEM part number you're looking for:
2H7-82508-50-00
According to Boats.net that part is only applicable to the 78 & 79 XS1100.
The part number for the 80, 81 is:
4R0-82508-50-00 (used to be (24M-82501-50))
PartsnMore.com has one of these: Ignition Switch Assembly #12-0046 for $34

Some of the gurus here may be able to tell you if the two are interchangeable between years or not.
During my search, I saw that in the past, several have gone on ebay for decent prices too.

As, far as changing out the lock cylinder, I've read on here the several XSives have taken their assembly apart to clean and lube and I'm pretty sure the locking cylinder (the one that's coded to your key) can get swapped out fairly easily.

[crazy steve]

The difference between the '78-79 and '80-81 switches is the late units have one more wire coming out of them, and a 4-wire plug instead of a 3-wire plug. The 'extra' wire is for the emergency flashers on the late bikes and could be cut/taped off for use on the earlier bikes. You'd have to swap plugs too. I'll note that this wire is 'hot' all the time, even with the key off.

I haven't personally seen any of the aftermarket switches up close, but from the pics I've see it appears some would work; again, all of these I've seen are 4-wire.

I don't think the Mikes unit will work, but the PartsNMore one should.

[GLoweVA]

All right Steve, maybe it's time for a ignition switch/speedo/tach interchange sticky guide.