Replacing Keyed Ignition Switch with On-Off Switch

[junior varsity]

I'm looking to ditching the keyed switch in favor of a toggle on/off, like track-only or race bikes. Who/Anybody done this?

I see Mad-Duc seems to have a kit available. I'm looking to do this on my M900, which should be the same as the 748/916/996 / M750 / ST2, though I'm not sitting in front of the ARCO computer, so I am not as well equipped to check.

I see there are four wires that go into the switch I believe. My belief from staring at a wiring diagram is that two are for lights, and one is the master circuit on/off switch.

I would not recommend this for anyone who will park their bike out of eyesight for any period of time, so we can bypass that concern from the get-go. Thoughts?

[ducatiz]

It's insanely easy.  there are actually 3 wires, one is the ground and splits into 2. 

Only one hot is the ignition circuit.  the other is the parking light circuit which you can ditch on a race bike.

[junior varsity]

I'll still be riding this bike on public roads with headlight and taillight / turn signals, so I need the lights to come on when "on", but I do not (and never have) need(ed) the "parking mode". If that's what you mean.

[ducatiz]

parking mode.

[mattc7]

parking mode.

Not to be off-topic, but has there ever been a use for "parking mode"?

[ducatiz]

being on the side of the road at night, it's a good idea.

[junior varsity]

indeed. this is a non-night-time ride, so no worries there.

[Mike Qube]

Not to be off-topic, but has there ever been a use for "parking mode"?

I used it to drain my battery of every last bit of juice it had one day while at work.

[Slide Panda]

I've seen a couple bikes ditch they keys. One, used two switches. One switch was pretty easy to access, the other required one to know where it was as it as quite hidden as a 'security' measure.

[ducatiz]

I used it to drain my battery of every last bit of juice it had one day while at work.

that's a good use of it.  you could also just leave the headlight on.  why did you need to drain the battery?   

[MotoCreations]

Just replace the ignition switch with a DPST (double pole single throw) switch -- operates two independent circuits ala factory.

I usually look for the higher quality metal and higher amperage switches -- no cheap plastic ones please!  Last thing you want to do is try to shut off your bike in a hurry after a plastic switch breaks. 

[ducatiz]

Just replace the ignition switch with a DPST (double pole single throw) switch -- operates two independent circuits ala factory.

I usually look for the higher quality metal and higher amperage switches -- no cheap plastic ones please!  Last thing you want to do is try to shut off your bike in a hurry after a plastic switch breaks. 

the DPST switch is needed if you want to preserve the parking lamp circuit, otherwise a SPST is fine.

and double +1 on the metal switch -- that means the base too. 

[junior varsity]

reputable brand?

[Speeddog]

Get a good, sealed MilSpec switch, or at least an oil-spray-tight sealed switch.

For example:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#military-specification-electrical-switches/=9qdokp

The standard auto parts store switches are crap, IME.
OK for non-critical stuff, if mounted inside a car.

[Raux]

found these with a quick search

weathersealed

http://sensing.honeywell.com/index.cfm?Ne=3025&ci_id=154286&N=3668&la_id=1


love the red switch
http://sccatalog.honeywell.com/pdbdownload/images/32nt391.series.chart.1.pdf