Ignition/light switch and assimilator mismatch

On my 1975 Commando 850 MK3 I have a Canadian assimilator and a US (non-Canadian) ignition/light switch. What are the ramifications of this mismatch?

The Canadian spec master switch (Lucas 30825) lights up the pilot light and tail light when it is in the ‘ignition’ position as well as the ‘ignition and lights’ position.

The standard (rest of world) master switch (Lucas 30552) only does this in the final ‘ignition and lights’ position.

Additionally, the Canadian spec Headlamp Warning Unit will light up the headlamp when it detects an AC output from the alternator stator (ie when the engine is spinning)


The Canadian switch is no longer manufactured, and good ones rarely seem to come up for sale, so they are often swapped out for the standard one if the switch needs replacing.

If I buy a "rest of world" assimilator (ignition warining light unit) will the same five wires connect to it?

Arlen Johnson said:

If I buy a "rest of world" assimilator (ignition warining light unit) will the same five wires connect to it?

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No, but the two standard assimilator wires (white and red) should also be there in the harness.
For the standard assimilator connect (wire - assimilator terminal)
W - IGN
GY - AL
WG - AL
WN - WL
R - E

(Or refer to the Mk3 manual section J8)

Is my bike a factory Canadian? The frame no. is 328777 and the engine no. is 327208.

Arlen Johnson said:

Is my bike a factory Canadian? The frame no. is 328777 and the engine no. is 327208.

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It's possible Andover Norton could answer that question if they have the destination record for 328777.