Spare parts for 850 mk3 handlebar switches

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Early (from '71):
Spare parts for 850 mk3 handlebar switches


Late (pre-850 Mk3):
Spare parts for 850 mk3 handlebar switches


850 Mk3:
Spare parts for 850 mk3 handlebar switches
 
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Interesting... my air lever (choke) has always been on the left. Bought the bike new.
 
does anyone know a source of spare parts for Lucas switches fitted to 75 Mk3's? Looking for the tiny fiddly bits, springs, contacts etc.
Thanks
Hi I am looking for the same as well! I have the casings I just want to refurbish the switches. Not had any luck yet!
 
All the factory did was to swap the clusters over so the switch functions are as before only on the opposite side and reversed top to bottom:

_______________________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

I knew about this but have always wondered if it was for UK bikes only even though the bulletin says worldwide. It makes no sense in the US because turn signal controls are on the left in cars and every other motorcycle I'm aware of. Every Norton I've ever had, had the turn signals on the left - maybe the dealers changed them.
 
it makes perfect sense to have it with indicators on the right. left turn up as the handlebar goes up, right turn down as handlebar goes down. left switch with high beam up and low down. yes you could fix the headlight switch to work by changing the wires and indicators would still function as the switch and handle bar would follow the direction with it on the left. but it is british and it shifts right not wrong.
 
I knew about this but have always wondered if it was for UK bikes only even though the bulletin says worldwide.

I think you would have to explain that, although any self-respecting UK motorcyclist of the day would probably have taken the direction indicators off (if fitted) and thrown them in the bin (if they hadn't already fallen off or been knocked off) so no call for a DI switch!

It makes no sense in the US because turn signal controls are on the left in cars and every other motorcycle I'm aware of.

Perhaps depends when you started motorcycling?

The DI switch stem as I remember could be either side depending on the make/model of car.

DI switch on the LH is maybe what you became accustomed to as the Japanese had set the standard by the early '70s however '70's BMW airhead twins for instance had the DI switch on the right-hand side. '80s BMW K series had the LH DI button on the LH side, RH DI button (and L & R cancel button) on the RH side. I believe Harley Davidsons had a switch each side (I don't know if they still do?) so it's not written in stone that the switch must be on the left.

I have bikes with the DI switch the left, the switch on the right, and switch each side but I don't find it to be a problem.


Every Norton I've ever had, had the turn signals on the left - maybe the dealers changed them.

This has been discussed several times before and if I remember correctly it was US dealers that started swapping them over.
 
Perhaps depends when you started motorcycling?

Started riding Triumphs in 1966. Rode a Japanese bike one time in my life. Rode a WWII Harley once. Otherwise, all Triumph, BSA, and Norton. Never ridden a left shift British bike. Never seen a US car with the turn signal lever anywhere but on the left of the steering column.
 
Started riding Triumphs in 1966. Rode a Japanese bike one time in my life. Rode a WWII Harley once. Otherwise, all Triumph, BSA, and Norton. Never ridden a left shift British bike. Never seen a US car with the turn signal lever anywhere but on the left of the steering column.

Triumph cars of the 60s/early 70's had the indicator switch on the right. Suspect this was pretty common for other British stuff of that era.
 
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