Handlebar Switches

So my Commando manual, section J19, shows that the left hand handlebar switch cluster has the horn button at the bottom and other buttons for headlamp functions. The right hand switch cluster has the kill button at the bottom and the turn signal switch.

A note states that “these clusters may be easily reversed from side to side depending upon owner preference”.

And that’s how my new (to me) ’74 Commando is, switches are reversed. It’s been awhile, and I don’t remember how the many Commandos I’ve had were. I think only my ’73 had turn signals, maybe a ’71 did - can’t remember.

Commando owners out there - any preferences or thoughts?

My preference may not be yours, so pick the switch position that suits you.

wot said:

A note states that “these clusters may be easily reversed from side to side depending upon owner preference”.

And that’s how my new (to me) ’74 Commando is, switches are reversed.

Click to expand...

The factory reversed the switch clusters during '72 so originally, they were...

...then

Why?? Why would you change? Because they could? This is why we have grey hair!!

mean gene said:

Why?? Why would you change? Because they could? This is why we have grey hair!!

Click to expand...

"
SERVICE RELEASE
CATEGORY OF RELEASE: 4 (as overleaf) motorcycles No. N3/3
NATURE OF RELEASE: Reversal of handlebar switch clusters.
MODELS AFFECTED: Late 1972 Commando - all models.
DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide (for general distribution),
EXPLANATION:
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........................................................RIGHT HAND

Top button - Headlamp flasher..................................Spare button
Lever switch - Dipswitch.........................................Direction indicators
Bottom button - Horn.............................................Kill button

ACTION: Ensure that all new owners of modified models are suitably briefed.
MAY 1972
"

thank you

I reversed mine (horn, dip switch on the right) but only in order to stay consistent with my Triumph.
It really is just a matter of personal preference.

eo1bart said:

I reversed mine (horn, dip switch on the right) but only in order to stay consistent with my Triumph.

Click to expand...

Curiously, Triumph also reversed their switch clusters for '72 (from eng. HG30870) but opposite to Norton, also "In response to public demand and press criticism, the handlebar switches were reversed, to provide the horn push, dip switch and handlebar flasher button on the right..."(quote from 'Bonnie', by JR Nelson)!

I was never a big fan of the original switches, and the controls spread out randomly (compared to other bikes).

I replaced both with a LH switch cluster from an XS650. Added Lucas bullet connectors to the switch gear and it plugged in directly to the stock harness. I especially like the push-to-cancel signal light switch.

When I added the e-start, I installed a generic starter button / kill switch cluster, again plugged in after a slight modification.

Nothing is permanently modified, so could be set back to stock if that ever becomes the thing to do.

FWIW

Referring to the right hand cluster,does anyone out there know where I could get a red kill button from.The bottom button as on a 73 commando.Regards to all

Welcome to the forum

You can find new buttons from Eurojumbalaya if I recall correctly.

Jdub said:

You can find new buttons from Eurojumbalaya if I recall correctly.

Lucas HandleBar Switch Kit Triumph Norton 1974 750 850

Beautiful new parts, made at great effort and expense. This kit should fit ALL British machines from 1973-74ish. It includes the later long levers (double-throw left/single-throw right) and tall buttons. All internal steel parts (springs/balls) are stainless. Fit and finish guaranteed fantastic.

www.eurojamb.com

Click to expand...

But, this one.