850 Commando Ignition switch

I have an 850 Commando 1974 with the original unreliable Lucas ignition switch. I have taken it apart twice and cleaned it as well as hammering the copper dimple contacts to make it work a while longer. It just has 3000 orig miles and has failed twice on the road. I don't trust this piece of crap. What should I replace it with and where do I get one that is reliable and not a fortune???

Hi Mark,

Walridge sells two 4-position ignition switches, one Lucas and one Asian. I used the Asian after-market part in my Mk3 rebuild. It's a solid piece at about half the price of the Lucas unit. Just be forewarned that the after-market part has a slightly different connection scheme than the OEM unit, so you need to think it through a bit when you connect it.

Hi Mark,
If you log onto ebaymotors.com and search Norton ignition switch under motorcycle parts and accessories you'll find a dozen or so on any given night. Prices range from $20--$80. Personally, when my switch crapped out a couple years ago I replaced it with one from Autozone for about $9, cheap price and of course cheaply made, but works OK.
GB

I just rebuilt and reconnected my old lucas switch and then I also installed a "switch on" indicator light for If/When it fails.