Author Topic: Side stand / kill switch FYI.  (Read 8065 times)

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hogdad

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on: April 17, 2014, 11:36:36 pm
Shortly after I purchased the C5 (July 2013) I found that the starter and EFI were unresponsive at times when the key was turned on and the side stand retracted.
I looked closer at the top of the side stand where it meets the kill switch and noticed it has a radius (like a cam) which pushes the kill switch plunger in and out as the side stand is applied or retracted.  It appeared the crown had a high spot in it which caused the kill switch not to close and open properly at times.  Thus, no electrical power.
A little grinding with the Dremel Tool on the crown of the side stand took care of the problem.
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GSS

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Reply #1 on: April 18, 2014, 12:57:18 am
Almost everyone here has disconnected the switch....too many random issues with this.
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Craig McClure

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Reply #2 on: April 18, 2014, 01:08:23 am
Simple is always best. My life is simpler without that side stand switch, & the jumper cable in the headlight wiring that prevents you controlling YOUR PROPERTY. (NUTS to DOT)
Best Wishes, Craig McClure


suitcasejefferson

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Reply #3 on: April 18, 2014, 04:31:08 am
Simple is always best. My life is simpler without that side stand switch, & the jumper cable in the headlight wiring that prevents you controlling YOUR PROPERTY. (NUTS to DOT)

100% agreed. I have always removed the safety switches and all emissions crap from every bike I've ever owned. I started riding on an early '60s dirt bike at age 8. I have had several bikes where the neutral light failed, and I never bothered to fix it because I didn't need it. Both DOT and the EPA need to butt out of the motorcycle business.
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REpozer

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Reply #4 on: April 18, 2014, 04:49:36 am
Hey Hogdad , looks like you do good work. My side stand switch was vary problematic and unreliable so I unplugged and removed said switch.
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sparklow

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Reply #5 on: April 18, 2014, 03:24:39 pm
This switch is a poor design and should be replaced as a recall by RE and a properly designed replacement installed free of charge by RE dealers. If this was a car this would probably already have happened!
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gremlin

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Reply #6 on: April 19, 2014, 03:45:13 pm
............. It appeared the crown had a high spot in it which caused the kill switch not to close and open properly at times.  Thus, no electrical power.
A little grinding with the Dremel Tool on the crown of the side stand took care of the problem.

very nice fix.  just enough modification to correct the problem, yet, not destroy a safety function.   (I just disconnected mine...)
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barenekd

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Reply #7 on: April 19, 2014, 09:28:12 pm
This switch is a poor design and should be replaced as a recall by RE and a properly designed replacement installed free of charge by RE dealers. If this was a car this would probably already have happened!

In a car, it was called an ignition switch. It's taken them 10 years or so to start recalling them!
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hogdad

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Reply #8 on: April 19, 2014, 11:57:04 pm
Like Gremlin said, I prefer to adjust or slightly alter a part to keep it functioning as designed if possible. The kick stand safety switch could keep me from a face plant, and my face would like that.
2012 Royal Enfield C5 Military
2009 H-D Road Glide FLTR
2003 Triumph Bonneville T100
2000 H-D Electra Glide
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suitcasejefferson

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Reply #9 on: April 20, 2014, 03:55:10 am
This is my own personal opinion, but I believe devices like this (and ABS) will prevent riders from learning the things they need to know to ride safely, and if the device ever fails, and it will, it will cause an accident. I recently saw a post about the "dumbing down" of Americans, and I believe technology is mostly responsible for it. Why learn to do it yourself is a computer or a safety device can do it for you?

When I first started riding on the street, at age 15, back in 1974, none of this stuff existed. I wrote out a list of things that needed to be done, and taped it to the tank. Putting up the sidestand was on that list, as well as putting it in neutral or pulling in the clutch. I have never had an accident caused by one of those issues. They became second nature. I learned to use the brakes, and other maneuvers, like countersteering, through constant practice. I have been practicing for 40 years. I will continue to practice.

I bought an Enfield because I wanted a brand new vintage bike. Real vintage bikes did not have this stuff. I was a little annoyed that I had to remove it from mine.
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Craig McClure

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Reply #10 on: April 20, 2014, 04:17:05 am
I have ridden over 50 years without needing a side stand switch, or a constantly burning headlight. Didn't hurt me either. I like things kept simple.
Best Wishes, Craig McClure


Royalista

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Reply #11 on: April 20, 2014, 09:59:23 pm
Couldn't agree more.


Cars have become kindergarten boxes with an overload of distracting toys and stupefying gizmos, and some bikes are no longer motorcycles either.


I long for the days I could mount a horse, destroy a dragon and no one nagging about my health 'n safety.  ;D
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gremlin

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Reply #12 on: April 22, 2014, 04:12:28 pm
...........I long for the days I could mount a horse, destroy a dragon and no one nagging about my health 'n safety.  ;D

+1
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Reply #13 on: April 22, 2014, 08:11:16 pm
i think the law says all these safety features have to be included on any bike introduced for sale new in the U.S.  don't think it says you can't disable 'em.
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Blairio

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Reply #14 on: April 23, 2014, 08:13:35 am
I stripped, greased and reassembled the side stand switch on my Electra. The switch was bone-dry inside - no lube. The job took 5 minutes over 2 years ago, and the switch has worked faultlessly ever since. I guess it is just another one the many  preventative maintenance jobs that go with Enfield ownership, and not worth getting in a lather over.