sparx handlebar switches on a Mk2 norton

stuck amals · Sep 2, 2013

Concerning a Norton Mk2, are the Sparx handle bar switches any good? (i.e. durable and dependable) Will the actual switch assembly mount inside the original Norton housings? And lastly, are the "paddles" and buttons inter-changeable?

I have a few old Lucas type switches. I'd like to keep the stock look by just replacing the innards.

Stephen Hill · Sep 2, 2013

I don't have first hand knowledge, but a friend tells me that the Sparx switch guts are a perfect transplant for the Lucas switch guts.
Stephen Hill

F_Magna · Sep 3, 2013

Is this the thing?

sparx handlebar switches on a Mk2 norton

I've been through a few of these, note the short lever (came off in me hands guv) and you may be able to see the brass shim holding the paddle in place. works fine if you don't mind resting your thumb on it to keep the indicator on.

Sorry if i sound a bit jaundiced (Gilberts syndrome?) but I found the switch irritatingly almost ok, and if they had engineered it a bit more it would be fine (IMHO)

Chris

motorson · Sep 4, 2013

I really like my Lucas switches. I took mine apart and cleaned the little points, now I get a perfect connection in each switch position. I have worked on Hondas and Yamahas since the '70s and I still think the Lucas switches are as good as anything I have seen on Japanese bikes. A Norton friend tells me that the problem is that the wires are too small and the current load too high for some of the circuits in the switch. If that is the case, you could solder larger wires into the switch for the headlight circuit.

Try putting a Japanese switch on a bike that vibrates that bad and see how it holds up!!

Dan.

swooshdave · Sep 4, 2013

motorson said:
I really like my Lucas switches. I took mine apart and cleaned the little points, now I get a perfect connection in each switch position. I have worked on Hondas and Yamahas since the '70s and I still think the Lucas switches are as good as anything I have seen on Japanese bikes. A Norton friend tells me that the problem is that the wires are too small and the current load too high for some of the circuits in the switch. If that is the case, you could solder larger wires into the switch for the headlight circuit.

Try putting a Japanese switch on a bike that vibrates that bad and see how it holds up!!

Dan.

Or use relays...

stuck amals · Sep 5, 2013

Thanks for all the opinions. I'm leaning toward rebuilding my Lucas switches

sparx handlebar switches on a Mk2 norton

stuck amals

Stephen Hill

F_Magna

motorson

swooshdave

stuck amals

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