ignition switch surround

[RSMike]

For some reason my ignition switch surround is blank (see pic below), maybe it was blank pre 81?

So I think I need one of these
Ignition switch surround ( R45 / 65 / GS / ST 1981-90 )


Question is, what is this for and do I need one?
Ignition switch rubber washer ( 2 valve R 1970-85 )

[Barry]

Mike,

The pre- 81 surround is exactly the same as the motobins pic.

Don't recognise the rubber washer but I wonder if you have the lower lock nut on the ignition barrel. It's supposed to sit under the instrument surround and is adjustable to position the barrel so that it finishes flush with the top ring rather than standing proud.

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
The first picture looks like the one I had on my bike before the markings vanished.
Second one looks like the nut with the two holes in it.
Last time I looked on that part of the bike, on my ring, only the paint has gone off, the markings where still visible. So maybe you can touch up with a white paint and save the pounds ?

[RSMike]

Mike,

The pre- 81 surround is exactly the same as the motobins pic.

Don't recognise the rubber washer but I wonder if you have the lower lock nut on the ignition barrel. It's supposed to sit under the instrument surround and is adjustable to position the barrel so that it finishes flush with the top ring rather than standing proud.

Hi Barry, Had a look and the nut is there ok, maybe its not been adjusted correctly, the barrel has been protruding like this since I got the bike. I guess I assume dit was normal.
I'll take a closer look tomorrow evening.

Hello !
The first picture looks like the one I had on my bike before the markings vanished.
Second one looks like the nut with the two holes in it.
Last time I looked on that part of the bike, on my ring, only the paint has gone off, the markings where still visible. So maybe you can touch up with a white paint and save the pounds ?

Hi George, Thanks, I also thought that might be the case with mine, but having looked closely there is absolutely no sign of any markings just smooth. The new one is only £3.84 so luckily not a big outlay anyway.

[RSMike]

Looks like this with the pod off, I have loosened the nut off a bit in the photo, It was tightened all the way down and needs to be or else the switch would be loose.

Looks like some sort of a washer (or two in my case) is required to pull it back down to a flush position?

[jcsaintp]

I wondered the same thing too when I first got my 'new' bike (57K miles). Close inspection revealed partial 'indentations' for the markings still there but paint long gone. Didn't know a replacement part was available.
I'm fighting the urge to replace all the nearly thirty year old parts (lots of them!) and appreciate the 'patina' that comes with age. Try that line on your wife...

Regards,
Jeremy  

[RSMike]

OK, bodge, with brass plumbing olive fixed the protruding ignition switch, :-)




I'll probably order a new surround next time I'm ordering parts from Motobins or Motorworks, mind you as I don't have a folding key, I will probably end up ordering one of those also, Maybe you are right Jeremy!

[Barry]

Neat bodge.  

If I remember there should be another lock nut underneath but I guess you wouldn't be able to source something like that easily.

[RSMike]

When I started, I had to finish, as well as a new surround I got a blank folding key and had it cut. ( I only ever had a standard key for the ignition).

Considering you look at this everytime you ride the bike, its worth doing, and not expensive.

[MR.E]

It looks good, didn't know it was available.

I was just about to offer you a barrel and folding key until i saw your last post!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The paint rubs off.  I was so proud when I bought a new one and matching new hold-down ring from Moto-Bins!  Very spiffy!