Lucas key switch

I have 3 Lucas key switches...4 pins all-or-nothing type common on Triumphs. All 3 lose at least 3/4 of a volt between power in and power out. 2 are new, one is old. If you have a marginal battery it will put you under 12V. I used a universal $13 ignition switch which used to be common at every parts store and it was neutral...12.3 in and 12.3 out.

Second question...Shorai batteries are really expensive these days. Can anyone recommend a quality lithium battery that's cheaper?

seattle##gs said:

I have 3 Lucas key switches...4 pins all-or-nothing type common on Triumphs. All 3 lose at least 3/4 of a volt between power in and power out. 2 are new, one is old. If you have a marginal battery it will put you under 12V. I used a universal $13 ignition switch which used to be common at every parts store and it was neutral...12.3 in and 12.3 out.

Second question...Shorai batteries are really expensive these days. Can anyone recommend a quality lithium battery that's cheaper?

Click to expand...

Check NOCO batteries, good quality and support. Not sure about pricing in the US though.
Those Lucas switches can easily be repaired to better than new.

cliffa said:

Check NOCO batteries, good quality and support. Not sure about pricing in the US though.
Those Lucas switches can easily be repaired to better than new.

Click to expand...

Cliff,
Where can one find any info on making a stock Lucas switch “better than new”? I bought a new one and it works but is very sloppy with the locations of the key right out of the box.
Thanks,Mike

Check here for upgrading of original, it will out last any modern 'Lucas' boxed replacement.

YING said:

Cliff,
Where can one find any info on making a stock Lucas switch “better than new”? I bought a new one and it works but is very sloppy with the locations of the key right out of the box.
Thanks,Mike

Click to expand...

Hi Mike, @kommando beat me to it.

The Commando 4-position switch can be improved per those instructions, and the hardest part is getting the case properly crimped back on so the contacts actually contact.

@seattle##gs is not talking about that switch. He is talking about the switch used on earlier bikes with the switch in the side cover which is the same switch Triumph uses in the fork ear. It is an on/off switch and has four terminals (two pairs). They are internally nothing like the 4-position master switch used on later Commandos.

I've never had a bad one so I don't know what to say about it. He's not really asking for help - he's trying to warn about weak batteries and voltage drops across connectors and components. I sold him the new ones so I will take care of it from here. If you would like to understand voltage drops, look here:

YING said:

Cliff,
Where can one find any info on making a stock Lucas switch “better than new”? I bought a new one and it works but is very sloppy with the locations of the key right out of the box.
Thanks,Mike

Click to expand...

All you need to do is add an ignition relay, that way the lucas switch just activates the relay and the relay supply the ignition voltage, I wired one in on my GL1000, excellent. Cheers

YING said:

Cliff,
Where can one find any info on making a stock Lucas switch “better than new”? I bought a new one and it works but is very sloppy with the locations of the key right out of the box.
Thanks,Mike

Click to expand...

Mike,

What color box? the "Genuine Lucas" in red boxes today are generally better than the originals. The "Lucas Like" and Lucas in green boxes are generally trash and it usually takes buying 2-3 to get one that works.

marshg246 said:

Mike,

What color box? the "Genuine Lucas" in red boxes today are generally better than the originals. The "Lucas Like" and Lucas in green boxes are generally trash and it usually takes buying 2-3 to get one that works.

Click to expand...

I agree. After trying modern green box replacements I rebuilt my original and it works fine.

On a somewhat related subject I once had to store my bike for 8 years. It was running perfectly when I stored it but when I put it back on the road I had to go through pretty much every connection on the bike cleaning and checking for resistance. I found significant resistance on my multimeter at around 4 or 5 connections. It was stored in good dry conditions but still had minor corrosion at several points.

kommando said:

Check here for upgrading of original, it will out last any modern 'Lucas' boxed replacement.

Norton Owners Club of NSW - How to Rebuild a Lucas ignition Switch to Better than New

Post date: Dec 25, 2011 12:33:37 PM

www.nocnsw.org.au

Click to expand...

I have completed two ignition switches with this mod. Highly recommended.

CanukNortonNut said:

I have completed two ignition switches with this mod. Highly recommended.

Click to expand...

BTW, there are two issues. If the contacts inside the switch aren't working right, the fix you mentioned is great. I've done it too. However, it will do nothing to fix those switches who do not detent properly which is the primary problem with the "Green Box Lucas" and the Lucas-Like switches.

Also, this thread (at least started with) is about on/off switches as used on older Nortons and Triumphs. Those switches are nothing like the 3- or 4-position switches for this mod.

Greg,
I have no experience with the (Green Box) Lucas switch, or the side mounted switch attached through the side cover from the early pre- 71's Commandos.
I have repaired the 4 position front facing mount (off the back Ham can plate) that came with the 71-74 era bikes. So my success story is from the NSW link using the original switch that came with the bike. The electrical spade connections poking out the back in a circle pattern.
Cheers,
Tom

YING said:

Cliff,
Where can one find any info on making a stock Lucas switch “better than new”? I bought a new one and it works but is very sloppy with the locations of the key right out of the box.
Thanks,Mike

Click to expand...

NOCO is an American company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Their Lithium powersports batteries are available from Autozone and others.