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QUESTION: Ignition Switch

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1.2K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  sumdatx  
#1 ·
Anyone know why the ignition switch is isolated in rubber, to include the 2 star mounting screws ?? Put an aluminum mounting plate on the back side for a rocker switch and a Gerbing power outlet (still isolated).
 

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#2 ·
I cant remember with you bike, But for my gerbing power, I ran it up under my seat and placed it between the driver and passenger seat. So it is right behind me. With that said, I check with Gerbing, they make a battery pack the we can add to our corded system. So needless to say I will be ordering that.
 
#3 ·
Thanks, Gastin, but the Gerbing power outlet is in a great location for me. All I have to do is plug in the main power on the dual controller and that's it....no extra wires seen or getting in the way. On the back side of my mount is the coaxial wire from the mount going past a rubber boot to the battery wiring. Once I take it all apart to paint the mount glossy black, it'll kind of disappear into all the other black in that area.

In doing this I had the switch housing all apart and was wondering why the ignition switch itself fit into a rubber boot and the mounting screws that held it in place were isolated by a rubber sleeve as well. Didn't understand why, consequently, didn't want to ground out the switch and screw something up. Hence, the question. Must not be a common question as nobody seems to know the answer.

I intend to take more pics of what it looks like all apart. Plenty of space there for a small power port and a rocker switch and the 1/8" aluminum is rock solid. I tend to use a 2X4 when a 1X2 would do, always over-building.

Again, thanks for the peek. Was hoping our couple of resident retired m/c mechanics would have an idea about it.

PS: Let me know that you got the money for the kids.
 
#5 ·
Great news, I'm getting more concerned about things getting where they need to go. I've had to pay $30 a couple of times to void checks that didn't make it to where they were meant to go. Hope you-all make enough money to get the kids some happy moments.
 
#6 ·
I don't claim to know why the switch is insulated, but I don't feel that it is for electrical reasons, but maybe a dampner to minimize vibrations to prevent contact wear? Should you find out what it is for, I would appreciate you sharing it with me. Wishing you my best.
 
#8 ·
And there you go, Ron. Your feeling/intuition was correct according to a Honda m/c mechanic friend. Since it is constantly "hot" and subject to getting pretty wet, the rubber it's encased in keeps the switch from accidently getting grounded. Aids in dampening vibration too. Works for me, and not a biggie since I made sure to keep it insulated, even with the new bracket.
Thanks for looking.
 
#7 ·
Sure thing Ron. Still on the trail for info. The way its designed, Honda went to a lot of trouble to engineer it and for a good reason I would think.