Evolution of the shape of the Lucas 169SA switches?

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Very useful links - just ordered the "custom kit" to retrofit my old levers with the new space-age set.

QUESTION TO THE GROUP: Should the red kill button exist on the bottom of the right console, or should this button reside on the top of the left console? That is, if you flip the controls, you have either of these options. Reason I ask? Every description I read shows the single-throw paddle on the right side, and the double throw on the left side. Since my double throw paddle is on the same console as the red kill button, I must have my consoles reversed?

Can anyone share their experience with this?
 
I believe most common set-up is double-throw for turn signal, red kill button on bottom, unused black button on top of right side switch next to the throttle. Left side has single-throw high bean switch, high-beam flash on top and horn on bottom.
There was a service note back in the day that some bikes came from the factory reversed with turn signal switch etc. on left side.
 
Jdub said:
Very useful links - just ordered the "custom kit" to retrofit my old levers with the new space-age set.

QUESTION TO THE GROUP: Should the red kill button exist on the bottom of the right console, or should this button reside on the top of the left console? That is, if you flip the controls, you have either of these options. Reason I ask? Every description I read shows the single-throw paddle on the right side, and the double throw on the left side. Since my double throw paddle is on the same console as the red kill button, I must have my consoles reversed?

Can anyone share their experience with this?
Click to expand...

_______________________________________________________
"Norton Service Release N3/3

Reversal of handlebar switch clusters.

Late 1972 Commando - all models.
Worldwide (for general distribution),
As a direct result of user requests for right hand operation of the direction
indicators, the decision has been taken to interchange the left and right hand switch clusters.
To save changing wiring colour identification at 6 connectors, the functions of kill button
and headlamp flasher and spare button and horn shown in Illustration 2 of the Riders Manual
are also reversed.
New prints of the handbook will include this modified layout but where motorcycles have been
despatched which are at variance to the handbook, the supplying dealer is requested
to acquaint the new owner with the revised layout. From the time of the changeover,
the revised control positions will be:

LEFT HAND
Top button - Headlamp flasher
Lever switch - Dipswitch
Bottom button - Horn

RIGHT HAND
Top button - Spare button
Lever switch - Direction indicators
Bottom button - Kill button

ACTION: Ensure that all new owners of modified models
are suitably briefed.

May 1972"
________________________________________________
 
per lab's post it just makes sense as the left switch has the headlight switch up for high and down for low and the right switch turn signal is down for right (same way the handle bars go on the switch side) and up for left.
 
Hi slightly off topic but some of these rh handlebar switches were two position with two buttons and an internal brake light switch.
I have seen that Chris Knight has them listed.
Anyone know which bikes had them fitted and if they suit drum or disc or both.
 
Henrynorton said:
Hi slightly off topic but some of these rh handlebar switches were two position with two buttons and an internal brake light switch.
I have seen that Chris Knight has them listed.
Anyone know which bikes had them fitted and if they suit drum or disc or both.
Click to expand...

They're for disc brake Triumphs ('73-'78).
The red toggle version that is the kill switch ('75 -'78).
The upper button is the electric start button on the T160. On twins both buttons are 'spare' but the upper can be connected as a headlamp flash or second horn button. The lower button is a dummy (no switch contacts).

Evolution of the shape of the Lucas 169SA switches?
 
Last edited:
Jdub said:
The Norton Commando Gold Portfolio (page 88) lists 26 changes between the 750 and "the new big Norton" 850 includes item 5: "The latest Lucas switches are fitted, incorporating longer flashing and dipper controls. The push-button extend more prominently. A red kill button is fitted."
Click to expand...

I don't doubt for a minute that they said the new bikes would get those switch sets. In practice maybe not. There are a lot of original 850s running around without red kill buttons. I know that the '74 850 Interstate I bought in 1977 had long paddle switches and all black buttons.

As for the double paddle switch, it might make using the throttle harder having it on the right side but for me it is a lot more normal than trying to use it while operating the clutch!
 
I went to a red button for the kill switch on my early '72 so it would be easier to remember which button it was. Found the newer buttons are longer so the new red button sticks out a bit farther. I don't think this is well known. It surprised me at the time.
 
Jdub said:
"If we bought a Norton we'd be tempted to replace the lot."
Click to expand...
Well said. Unless you want to be 100% original, put some modern switchgear on that is much safer and more effective to use and.put the originals in the Future Owners bin.
 
batrider said:
I went to a red button for the kill switch on my early '72 so it would be easier to remember which button it was. Found the newer buttons are longer so the new red button sticks out a bit farther. I don't think this is well known. It surprised me at the time.
Click to expand...

In the link L.A.B posted in this thread it shows two red buttons are available (long and short)
There is little wrong with the stock Lucas switch blocks, but given the age many will need some upkeep.

The Japanese did put a little more thought into the ergonomics compared to the Brits and even Italian bikes of the period .
 
If you clean and lube the switches every few years they will be fine. Of course, if you ride in bad weather then more often.
Remember too that the long paddle switches can break off. I think it is John in Greece who makes a switch paddle with a steel rod in it
to obviate that.
 
I use only one of the Lucas switches , just brembo m/c on right handle , no switches on headlight either .... the left switch has horn on bottom button , the 3 position paddle in middle controls headlight, it is set up thus: middle off , down-low beam , up-high beam ... the top button awaits an electric starter ... like to keep things simple , eh ..... no turn indicators , they and the flasher came in a box with the Commando , I thought that was a great place for them .....
 
Does anyone know the significance of the different markings of these Lucas switch housings? Is one an early version? Or for different model bikes?
Evolution of the shape of the Lucas 169SA switches?
 
I don't think the long paddle style switch is all that desirable. They feel very flexible and over the years I have seen quite a few broken ones.
 
I was referring to the castings on either side of the paddle switch. One unit has:
LUCAS
MADE IN ENGLAND

on both sides, and the other unit has that on one side but on the other side it has the part no:
169SA

I was wondering about the significance of that difference. I was hoping this thread

"Evolution of the shape of the Lucas 169SA switches"​

could shed some light on this.
 
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