71 roadster ign sw

I have a (left) side cover that has a place in the top left corner for a key sw . Bought it on ebay. Would this arrangement be correct for the 71 roadster or should I glass the hole and mount a switch some where else? The original wiring seemed to have a bunch of splices in that area - didn't have a switch or a cover for the left when I bought it. Wires were just hanging there. This bike was really a rescue mission. Probably paid too much for it but just couldn't let it become a parts bike.

That sidecover is for a 69/70 "S Type" or 70 roadster. The 71 cover is different. Regards, Tony

On a 71 the switch holder is welded to the frame and the switch points forward. On 70 the switch is in a hole in the side cover. As you know bikes often gain a year due to being sold and registered in the following year so your 71 could be a 70.

On my '71 (No 141364) the switch holder is welded to the rear plate of the air filter box. It extends frontward on the left side, beyond the front cover of the air filter box and the switch is covered with a flexible plastic boot. Switch points forward.

SBell said:

On my '71 (No 141364) the switch holder is welded to the rear plate of the air filter box. It extends frontward on the left side, beyond the front cover of the air filter box and the switch is covered with a flexible plastic boot. Switch points forward.

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If your switch is original what are the positions front to back ie: off on etc ?

'69-'70 'S' and '70 Roadster left side covers are very square and flat edged in shape. These have a hole for the ignition switch. The '71 side cover has more rounded edge contour identical to the later steel ones. The '71 oil tank cover will be identical in shape to the left side cover. (mirror image). Since the '69-'70's have the center mount oil tank, the right side has an arm to attach to the frame rather than the oil tank as is the case for the '71 and later.

Ron L said:

'69-'70 'S' and '70 Roadster left side covers are very square and flat edged in shape. These have a hole for the ignition switch. The '71 side cover has more rounded edge contour identical to the later steel ones. The '71 oil tank cover will be identical in shape to the left side cover. (mirror image). Since the '69-'70's have the center mount oil tank, the right side has an arm to attach to the frame rather than the oil tank as is the case for the '71 and later.

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Thanks for the info Ron. I'm sure I have a 70 left cover. I think I will look for a 71 type for my bike and sell or swap this 70 cover I have. I would like to keep things looking "71" .