Convert kickstand switch operation

[bigbikerrick]

Hello Folks, I have started going through sorting my newly accquired 76 Convert, and I decided to disable the kickstand switch, so I can Idle the bike while on the stand. I noticed there are 3 wires going to the switch, one goes to the coil, the other goes to something that looks like a flasher, up near the steering head, behind the ATF cooler. Does anyone know what this part may be?
Thanks
Rick.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The flasher is for the "park" warning light on the dash IIRC.

[bigbikerrick]

Thank you , Charlie. Makes sense, i guess that must cause the “idiot” light on the dash, to flash, when the kickstand is down. These converts sure are loaded with “safety features”!
Rick

[guzzisteve]

State of the art at that time, like the GL1000 was to Honda.

[fotoguzzi]

Just for kicks. Here’s a video of my first ride on the SpEVert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqCEB9QeGNY

[fotoguzzi]

Hello Folks, I have started going through sorting my newly accquired 76 Convert, and I decided to disable the kickstand switch, so I can Idle the bike while on the stand.
Rick.

make sure your parking brake is operating well so it doesn’t ride away.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Not sure that’s a very good idea, the bike could decide to walk away if the idle were to rise and the parking brake not set up right. Better to use the center stand for that.

I do it all the time when out on Sunday rides and stopping to take photos. I'm not sure what would cause the idle to spontaneously rise. One does need to have the parking brake set up correctly.

[Tom H]

If you want to warm up a Vert on the side stand. You might get a velcro strap and wrap it around the clutch lever to the grip to keep it pulled in. That might help a bit,

Tom

[bigbikerrick]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the tips. I have a velcro strap in one of my saddlebags, I use for that purpose.
Rick.

[guzzifan]

Good call on disabling the switch.  When I restored my Convert a few years ago I found a brand new switch and on my third ride it failed.  Easy to jump and get home, but no matter how much I tinkered with it it was still hit and miss.  I rewired it to bypass the ignition but so that the light comes on (without flashing) when deployed.  No Velcro strap required if you properly adjust the parking brake.  I’ve parked mine facing down-hill with no problem…just remember it’s the weight on the side stand that sets the brake, and it releases when you stand the bike up vertically.

Changed the warning lights to led bulbs so I could see everything in the summer sun and it’s my favourite Magic Carpet ride!

[Bulldog9]

My Convert does not have a side stand switch, only the mechanism and cable for the parking brake. A prior owner likely removed it. There was also no terminated wires by the side stand either.

When I replaced my clutch cable, I removed the switch all together, and now use the yellow N light as an 'ignition on' light.

While you are going through the bike, consider a new wiring harness from Greg Bender (This Old Tractor) and swap all the little lights in the dash for LED's. Made my restoration MUCH easier.  I did it due to the front harness being hacked up from the Windjammer install, and I was taking it back to a single headlight.

[brider]

I SO wish I had not sold my parking brake apparatus long ago. I took it off when the switch went bad, as it was not adjusted properly and I had no interest/patience then to do it, or I think I may have taken it off the first time I removed the rear wheel. In any case, it was another foolish thing I got rid of that I wish I had back.