right hand toggle switch 1972 commando

Hi Huge, I think you will find the switch is correct as it is, it should only have two positions. Main beam position and dip beam position. If you file the plastic toggle to extend its designed movement be aware it may no longer switch contacts properly. Regards, Alan

Previously hugh_sanborn wrote:

Hi again, my question refers to a 1972 commando roadster sold in the USA. I'm rebuilding the switches on the above commando and have run into situation that I don't understand. The black toggle switch will only move in one direction, IE off or on, not up,off, on, as a dipper switch would. The numbers on the black plastic toggle are, 5033698 on one side and 4271 on the other. The body for the switch is marker Lucas Made In England and appears original to the bike, soldered bullet connections and correct colored wires.

On close examination the toggle is made to only move to one position from the off position. There is a ridge of plastic on one side of the toggle that presents movement both ways. The ridge could I think be filed, so it would allow movement both ways.

My question is, should the switch function as it currently does, or would it be correct to file the ridge and use for the dipper switch?

My copy of a riders manual identifies this is the switch for the dipper.

Thanks again for your help,

Hugh Sanborn

It's a 2 position dipper switch, main and dipped. The off bit is handled by the 4 position ignition switch , parking lights,off, ignition on, lights and ignition on.

Previously john_holmes wrote:

It's a 2 position dipper switch, main and dipped. The off bit is handled by the 4 position ignition switch , parking lights,off, ignition on, lights and ignition on.

Plus the switch in the headlight.

Once your project it complete and a battery installed it will become more obvious, as it is now the switches are spread in what seems a random pattern. So first insert the key and turn to ignition on and kickstart the bike. Then turn the key one more notch to turn the lights on, select pilot or main bulb using the headlamp switch, if you select main then use the handlebar switch to select full beam or dipped, it will have no effect if you have selected the pilot bulb. The headlamp flasher button on the handlebar flashes the main beam in all combinations including pilot and ignition only, just like the horn button operates the horn.