Ignition switch bracket alternatives

Spaulding · Apr 5, 2010

'74 Commando 850 fitted w/ single Mikuni carb.

I'm working on undoing a few of the PO's mods that I didn't care for. Right now the switch resides in a rather bad looking chrome bracket clipped on the frame. It's functional but it's too obvious and unsightly. My initial thought for the ignition switch was to put the original "breather plate" back on and remount the switch in it. Trouble is, with the Mikuni and the air filter, there's not enough space to put the plate back in.

Does anyone have a similar setup (Mikuni) and a nicer looking/unobtrusive solution. I'd like the switch to be as inconspicuous as possible. I have all the original boots, etc. Open to suggestion and I can do a bit of basic metalworking.

Or maybe I should look into a lower profile air filter? Thoughts? Thanks again!

swooshdave · Apr 5, 2010

Spaulding said:
'74 Commando 850 fitted w/ single Mikuni carb.

I'm working on undoing a few of the PO's mods that I didn't care for. Right now the switch resides in a rather bad looking chrome bracket clipped on the frame. It's functional but it's too obvious and unsightly. My initial thought for the ignition switch was to put the original "breather plate" back on and remount the switch in it. Trouble is, with the Mikuni and the air filter, there's not enough space to put the plate back in.

Does anyone have a similar setup (Mikuni) and a nicer looking/unobtrusive solution. I'd like the switch to be as inconspicuous as possible. I have all the original boots, etc. Open to suggestion and I can do a bit of basic metalworking.

Or maybe I should look into a lower profile air filter? Thoughts? Thanks again!

I mounted one to the front of the battery tray so it faced out to the side. Might do that again.

gw88 · Apr 6, 2010

Did mine this way........left ignition attached to back plate of old air filter assembly, painted it black, installed single Mikuni, using a K&N filter part no. RU650. It only just fits against the back plate, may have to loosen inlet manifold whilst pushing the filter on. Not the prettiest of setups, but it's the cleanest and not having to mess around with the original ignition switch setup. I would be interested in someone else's setup that is better looking than mine.

swooshdave · Apr 6, 2010

gw88 said:
Did mine this way........left ignition attached to back plate of old air filter assembly, painted it black, installed single Mikuni, using a K&N filter part no. RU650. It only just fits against the back plate, may have to loosen inlet manifold whilst pushing the filter on. Not the prettiest of setups, but it's the cleanest and not having to mess around with the original ignition switch setup. I would be interested in someone else's setup that is better looking than mine.

Um, where's the ignition switch? :mrgreen:

Flo · Apr 6, 2010

I did it my way.

Spaulding · Apr 6, 2010

Thanks guys - I think I'm going to go with a similar solution to GW88, as I'd really like to keep the original orientation of the switch. Weird thing is, I have what appears to be the exact same carb/filter setup and I'm easily 1/2 inch shy of getting it all crammed in there. I'm thinking maybe go with a lower profile K&N filter. RC2880? I saw it on the Old Britts page, am thinking it would afford enough space for the old plate to go back in.

Cheers!

Spaulding · Apr 6, 2010

Should've posted these before - here is the bike and a closeup of the offending ignition switch mount...

swooshdave · Apr 6, 2010

That's not bad, I've had a bike that someone just stuck a couple sheet metal screws right into the tube. :roll:

Here's an option, just drill through were those spot welds are on the battery tray and bolt right through. It'll tuck the switch in a little closer and out of the way. Take about 30 seconds and you're done.

(sorry for the crude pic)

gw88 · Apr 6, 2010

Um, where's the ignition switch? :mrgreen:[/quote]

Here it is, still on the original back plate of air filter assembly. I wish someone could come up with a modified original setup, i.e., maybe blank off the two holes and redrill a single hole on the front plate to accomodate the filter inside the original "screening". That will look reasonably "original"? :idea:

swooshdave · Apr 6, 2010

I could swear at some point somewhere I saw a Mukuni with the original air cleaner but a new front plate as you describe.

Spaulding · Apr 6, 2010

Now that would be something I could get into = yes, the original big air cleaner (and back plate) with a Mikuni. I like it. If you find it, let me know. Thanks!

mwoo · Apr 6, 2010

Hi - I got fed up with the stupid position of the switch down by the air filter (fiddly with gloves on etc.) and fabricated a bracket such that the switch is now up between the clocks. I retained the rubber cover such that it flips over the lock to help prevent water ingress. It looks neat, is in a 'logical' place and is so much easier to use.

Ignition switch bracket alternatives

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