Ignition switch cover removal

[Richard Pepin]

I'm having a difficult time removing the chrome ignition switch cover. I can't seam to see how it comes off.

[hank43]

Section 3 page 115 in the shop manual, but it's not real clear about how to remove. I have found that a wooden popsicle stick ground to a blunt point can be gently inserted between the chrome tank strip and the edge of the circular ring, and worked CAREFULLY around the circumference of the switch, it will slowly rise and then you can grasp it with your fingers or pry up with something that won't scratch the chrome. The ignition ring (says off-on etc on it in black letters) has an internal plastic insert that just slips down over the ignition switch body, nothing holds it on but friction...... Clever, these Japanese Engineers
After you get that off, there are two screws that hold the tank chrome strip on. Some folks have discovered that that is a source of rattles, and apply some sort of tape on the bottom of the strip, where it contacts the gas tank (I used a leather strip on each side). I found scratches clear through the tank paint to bare metal, so I know for a fact that is one source of bike rattles that just drive you nuts trying to find. Also while you have that chrome strip off, check the ignition switch wiring harness for any chafe marks on the wires and maybe re-tape with thick tape , that has been a source of blown main ignition fuses - which will instantly cause the engine to stop, not a good thing when you are turning from a stop - see elswhere on the 1700 tech forum for this problem.
Hope this helps!

hank43

[Richard Pepin]

Thanks Hank, that was a great help.

[hank43]

Thanks Hank, that was a great help.

Glad I could help Richard. BTW, if you can get a copy of the official service manual on DVD, it's 770 pages long, and it is very easy to search topics, subjects, or just words like diode bridge, or crossover pipe etc on the computer, sometimes subjects within the printed manual are hard to find, because they may be located in a chapter you would not think they would be in.

hank43

[David (N. Alabama)]

I remove the fasteners for the tank trim and then use it to slowly leverage the ignition ring up and off.