Kickstand kill switch

[qbmowman45]

This plunger switch on my 88 1500 wing will not allow the bike to go into gear. It just dies like the stand is down when it isn't. Does anyone know how to disable this so I can get it home.

[HawkeyeGL1200]

I had a similar problem on a Yamaha a year or so ago. I traced the wires from the sidestand switch to a relay under the seat (on mine, not sure where it is on a GL1500). I made a little jumper and unplugged the wires to the relay and installed the bypass jumper and rode it like it was new..

[qbmowman45]

I will give that a try thanks

[WingAdmin]

This plunger switch on my 88 1500 wing will not allow the bike to go into gear. It just dies like the stand is down when it isn't. Does anyone know how to disable this so I can get it home.

The kickstand switch is actually a SPDT switch - it has three wires going into it:

Green/white: connected to ground when kickstand is up
Yellow/black: connected to ground when kickstand is down
Green: ground

Side Stand Switch

I'm assuming the kickstand down light on the dash operates normally - if it does not, then there is either a problem with the switch, or with the green ground wire leading to it.

The yellow/black is used only for the kickstand light on the dash. The only one we are concerned with is the green/white wire. Disconnect it and connect it to the green (ground) wire, or otherwise ground it, and should will allow the bike to start regardless of the kickstand position.

If this works, then the problem is with your kickstand switch - it likely needs to be replaced.

If it does not work, try connecting the green/white wire directly to a known good ground (i.e. metal on the frame or engine). If this fixes it, then the problem is with the green wire (which should mean the dash light doesn't work either).

If connecting the green/white wire directly to a known good ground doesn't work, then we've got a different problem: the green/white wire has become disconnected (broken, or bad contact) somewhere between the side stand switch and the ECM. If this is the case, you'll need to remove the right side inner fairing panel to gain access to the ECM. You'll need to graft a wire onto the green/white wire to connect it to ground, so that the ECM will allow the bike to run in gear.

ECM connector

[qbmowman45]

I have connected the green wire to the g/w wire to no avail I'll try separating the two and connecting the W/G to a ground I don't think the stand down light has ever worked.

[WingAdmin]

If the stand down light has never worked, and you're having the problem you described, chances are the green ground wire on your kickstand switch is not actually grounded.

[qbmowman45]

If I make a jumper to a ground from the green wire should it start?

[WingAdmin]

If I make a jumper to a ground from the green wire should it start?

If that's the problem, then yes.

[qbmowman45]

I'm being distracted because our Royals are playing a key game so I'll try this in the morning. Thank you for your guidance

[qbmowman45]

I made a jumper from the G/W to a bolt and the bike runs in gear now. Thank you so very much.
Now I am told that that switch is discontinued would you have any ideas where I might find one?

[HawkeyeGL1200]

The bike I bypassed the switch on was a Yamaha. The plunger would always (eventually) extend if I let it idle long enough with the side stand up, or if I reached down and "pulled" it out. I never owned a motorcycle with a safety switch on the side stand, and honestly don't believe I need one now.

I am glad yours is running (with the modification). If you can determine the part number, there are a number of options to getting a replacement, if not a new switch. Ebay, or a motorcycle junk yard is probably going to be your best bet. There are also many other motorcycles that may actually use the same part, and it may be in production as a result of that possibility.

Anyway, I'm pleased Admin was able to guide you through the temporary repair, where I failed.

I made a jumper from the G/W to a bolt and the bike runs in gear now. Thank you so very much.
Now I am told that that switch is discontinued would you have any ideas where I might find one?

[qbmowman45]

Thanks for your help I don't know the part number and my Manuel doesn't show it I'm going to try to get it from the dealer also going to a bike salvage yd to see if I can find one. Have a good weekend

[WingAdmin]

I made a jumper from the G/W to a bolt and the bike runs in gear now. Thank you so very much.
Now I am told that that switch is discontinued would you have any ideas where I might find one?

I had a look, and you're right, it's no longer available. The part number for 1988 is 35710-MN5-003.

I see the switch for the 2000 model is available, but it is different - it works completely differently, and goes around the bolt of the side stand, which is also different, in order to work with the different switch, I expect. It's possible you might be able to use the sidestand and switch from a later version bike, if you replace both.

[qbmowman45]

Found one in the salvage yard in Ottawa Ks. Plunger works so I'm going to install and hope for the best. Thanks for your help to get her home. So far your articles have been so helpful thank to all who post and create such great step by step instructions. The switch foe the 2000 is a rotation type instead of plunger style.

[shadow1k9]

Or if the plunger is just stuck in the in position, try some wd40, if it is bent, like mine, pull it out( like the stand is up, un bolt is and tie it out of the way. Just remember, you have to put your side stand up!

[robb]

If it does not work there are several on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ho ... cat=180027

[shadow1k9]

yes there are, wish I could found a new one, but I lived with out one on my 1200, so not big loss I guess, thanks

[bodasefus]

My switch was just laying there... I tied the green/yellow wire to the ground... all works...

[Mh434]

Considering the greasy, grimy, grungy condition I've found sidestand switches in, it's no surprise they cease to function eventually. The ones I've removed and cleaned have all regained full function afterward, so it's definitely worth a shot before considering replacement...

[Tim 1956]

This plunger switch on my 88 1500 wing will not allow the bike to go into gear. It just dies like the stand is down when it isn't. Does anyone know how to disable this so I can get it home.

The kickstand switch is actually a SPDT switch - it has three wires going into it:

Green/white: connected to ground when kickstand is up
Yellow/black: connected to ground when kickstand is down
Green: ground

Side Stand Switch.gif

I'm assuming the kickstand down light on the dash operates normally - if it does not, then there is either a problem with the switch, or with the green ground wire leading to it.

The yellow/black is used only for the kickstand light on the dash. The only one we are concerned with is the green/white wire. Disconnect it and connect it to the green (ground) wire, or otherwise ground it, and should will allow the bike to start regardless of the kickstand position.

If this works, then the problem is with your kickstand switch - it likely needs to be replaced.

If it does not work, try connecting the green/white wire directly to a known good ground (i.e. metal on the frame or engine). If this fixes it, then the problem is with the green wire (which should mean the dash light doesn't work either).

If connecting the green/white wire directly to a known good ground doesn't work, then we've got a different problem: the green/white wire has become disconnected (broken, or bad contact) somewhere between the side stand switch and the ECM. If this is the case, you'll need to remove the right side inner fairing panel to gain access to the ECM. You'll need to graft a wire onto the green/white wire to connect it to ground, so that the ECM will allow the bike to run in gear.

ECM.gif

my 94 1500i just started acting up yesterday. The light comes on and kills the engine when I flip the stand down. But when I flip it back up, it does nothing until I take it out of gear into neutral and then it is fine. I seen new switches for about $50.00 on line. not buying a used one for half that price. Any thoughts?
Alias Tim
would like to be Mr. Dufus. You never answered. I can't get that to change either. thanks.

[4given]

Mr. Dufus:
I had the same issue and removed the switch, cleaned it, lubricated it and reinstalled. It has worked flawlessly since. I really like your new alias.
Dan

[Tim 1956]

Mr. Dufus:
I had the same issue and removed the switch, cleaned it, lubricated it and reinstalled. It has worked flawlessly since. I really like your new alias.
Dan

Thanks. I have to remove it to clean it? What is there to clean? where the bolt goes through? I see no other contact.
Thanks Dan.

[4given]

Mr. Dufus:
I had the same issue and removed the switch, cleaned it, lubricated it and reinstalled. It has worked flawlessly since. I really like your new alias.
Dan

Thanks. I have to remove it to clean it? What is there to clean? where the bolt goes through? I see no other contact.
Thanks Dan.

If you remove the 8mm bolt the switch slides right off.

[Tim 1956]

Mr. Dufus:
I had the same issue and removed the switch, cleaned it, lubricated it and reinstalled. It has worked flawlessly since. I really like your new alias.
Dan

Thanks. I have to remove it to clean it? What is there to clean? where the bolt goes through? I see no other contact.
Thanks Dan.

If you remove the 8mm bolt the switch slides right off.

Ok, thanks so much Dan. I'll do that. I don't understand it.....but I'll try it. I'll let you know.
Mr. Dufus.

[4given]

There is a little finger on the back of that switch that slides into a hole at the top of the side stand which rotates the inside of the switch back-and-forth for on and off. Best to do with the motorcycle on the center stand. I’m sure you knew that.