Understanding/troubleshooting the safety switches: Difference between revisions
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Before deciding to replace a safety switch, a quick inspection may turn up a misaligned switch plunger, or a buildup of road grime around the switch, preventing the switch plunger from fully extending. Frequently all that is needed is a good cleaning and a spritz of WD-40 for lubrication. Tempting as it may be to operate the motorcycle with the safety switches bypassed, DON'T. The safety switches perform two very important safety functions: | Before deciding to replace a safety switch, a quick inspection may turn up a misaligned switch plunger, or a buildup of road grime around the switch, preventing the switch plunger from fully extending. Frequently all that is needed is a good cleaning and a spritz of WD-40 for lubrication. Tempting as it may be to operate the motorcycle with the safety switches bypassed, DON'T. The safety switches perform two very important safety functions: | ||
1.The motorcycle cannot be started when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is released. This is especially important if you are in the habit of parking the motorcycle using the sidestand | :1. The motorcycle cannot be started when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is released. This is especially important if you are in the habit of parking the motorcycle using the sidestand and starting the motorcycle while not straddling it. Watching your Ninja jump forward and fall to the ground due to being in gear when it was started is no fun. | ||
2.The motorcycle cannot be driven with the sidestand down in the parked position. Driving with the sidestand down can be dangerous, and easy to do. | :2. The motorcycle cannot be driven with the sidestand down in the parked position. Driving with the sidestand down can be dangerous, and is all-too-easy to do. | ||