UK Switch gear on a US ST?....headlight switch

[Kirby]

:03biker: I would like to wire in a switch to turn off my headlights with the key on/engine running. From what I gather....when the Police switch gear is installed....there is a functioning switch just for that already working. Which tells me...that a wire/or wires in the present switch assembly just makes a loop in the DOT switch gear. If I could find that wire...I could possiably install a small switch to turn off the headlight? I'm not looking for this switch to turn off anything but the headlights.... I want to be able to more or less control my lights for several reasons. Does anyone know the color of wire I'm looking for...or has someone done simular wiring on their ST?
Later, I would like to also have a switch to turn off all lighting (except the
brake light function).
Is there anyone one with help for such a project? I find it VERY difficult to read..much less follow along in the wiring diagram in the Service Manual...so personal experience would be super helpfull.:o:

[JZH]

The easiest place to tap into for a simple headlight switch would be the relay trigger for the low beams, methinks. Cut that wire near the relay, and run new wires from each end to your new switch. Can't help you with the actual modification, as my ST is still MIA somewhere in Benelux...

Ciao,

[BC Rider]

This link documents the stock north american connector for the headlight switch and how it hooks up to the police switch.

http://stwiki.notonthe.net/twiki/bin/view/ST13/PoliceSwitchInstallation

Basically you need to break the blue/white or black/red wire leading to your stock switch.

[Burger]

Pulling fuse E will switch off only the low beams (very useful when working on the electrics) but will leave the high beam and flasher working. Wire in a switch after fuse E and you should get what you need.

Regards,

[Kirby]

Thanks guys....I'm really wanting to do a clean and nice looking job on this wiring project. I have condidered getting one of those switch packs that mount on top of on of the master cylinders on the handle bars.....Not sure what I'm gona use as of yet. You guys have any suggerston and/or pics of your switch set ups?

[BC Rider]

Kirby - I ended up with the pswitch as I wanted a bunch of switches.

One option you might want to consider - An inexpensive and sano installation of a switch in the stock switch housing is shown in the garage door opener document here:

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8621


You could just use a same sized push switch for the headlight, but just an on/off clicker rather than a momentary.

[Kirby]

Good idea.....looks like something I would do/want....thanks

[AuntyGranty]

:03biker: I would like to wire in a switch to turn off my headlights with the key on/engine running. From what I gather....when the Police switch gear is installed....there is a functioning switch just for that already working. Which tells me...that a wire/or wires in the present switch assembly just makes a loop in the DOT switch gear. If I could find that wire...I could possiably install a small switch to turn off the headlight? I'm not looking for this switch to turn off anything but the headlights.... I want to be able to more or less control my lights for several reasons. Does anyone know the color of wire I'm looking for...or has someone done simular wiring on their ST?
Later, I would like to also have a switch to turn off all lighting (except the
brake light function).
Is there anyone one with help for such a project? I find it VERY difficult to read..much less follow along in the wiring diagram in the Service Manual...so personal experience would be super helpfull.:o:
Kirby,

Have you thought about using the European/UK bikes right hand switch cluster, these have a 3 position light switch. If you want a nice clean OEM looking solution perhaps getting one of these may be what you want? STealer procured or one of us may be able to obtain a used one from a dismantlers on our side of the pond for you? I'm sure it would then be a straight plug and play solution. I have just checked mine and the 'Off' position does turn all the lights off (including the rear), middle position for parking lights only.
Just a thought ;)

AG

[Burger]

Kirby,

Have you thought about using the European/UK bikes right hand switch cluster, these have a 3 position light switch. If you want a nice clean OEM looking solution perhaps getting one of these may be what you want? STealer procured or one of us may be able to obtain a used one from a dismantlers on our side of the pond for you? I'm sure it would then be a straight plug and play solution. I have just checked mine and the 'Off' position does turn all the lights off (including the rear), middle position for parking lights only.
Just a thought ;)

AG

Grant,

What year is your bike? From 2004 for sure that nice headlight switch is missing because of european regulations... headlights are on all the time. I want one of those switches :D

Regards,

[AuntyGranty]

Grant,

What year is your bike? From 2004 for sure that nice headlight switch is missing because of european regulations... headlights are on all the time. I want one of those switches :D

Regards,

Dave

52 reg (2003)
I thought we all had these switch clusters here? :confused:
Has Brussels taken them away too? :mad:

[Burger]

Dave

52 reg (2003)
I thought we all had these switch clusters here? :confused:
Has Brussels taken them away too? :mad:

Yes sir... our wonderful European parliament has taken them away on all bikes sold after some date or another... I feel a rush for 52 reg RH switch clusters coming on :D

Thanks,

[Kirby]

I have been trying to figure/decide how to install a switch that turns off the Headlight and turn off all the lights(cept brake light). I finally reaized that the UK model ST has the normal "lights" switch. Off/Park/ Lights....so I have decided to see what it would take to install the UK switch on my ST so I will not only have the lighting control...but a factory switch to boot. Now...does anyone have any experience doing this...or know of someone that has. I assume that the UK wiring won't just plug in where the DOT verson unplugs
and then work just fine. I figure some changes must be made...maybe not?
Anyone have info that would help me do this. I don't mind purchasing a new UK switch...matter of fact..I already have the part number for it. Thanks for any and all help.
BTW, I dont want the Police switch..since it requires risers to be installed...and I like my bars like they are stock. And I'm not worried in the lightest what the law enforcement think about it...since I'll still ride with the lights ON..just like before. If I can do this...there might be several others that would like to do the same thing to their 1300....

[Burger]

Kirby,

Sounds like you might already have done this, but make absolutely sure the switch you have the part number for is from a 2003 or earlier ST. From 2004 the UK RH switch is the same as yours with no headlight switch capability.

If you are sure you have the right part, I'd appreciate the part number.

As regards fitting, I don't know this, but judging from posts on fitting the police switch, I'd expect it to be plug 'n' play.

Regards,

[Kirby]

Nope...I haven't done it.... I am not sure about the part number...but I got it from David Silver Spares.
So...you saying the 2004 on Pan Euro has no light switch?...I don't get it?
Euro bikes must have their lights on all the time like ours? What about Canada?

[Kirby]

Ooops....I'm mistaken....I don't have the part number....just the price. Sorry I'm confusing that email with a different one...and different subject....

[Burger]

Yes, 2004 onwards for sure has no light switch with the lights on all the time. 2002 definitely had a light switch, not sure about 2003's. I will be ordering one with the switch on Monday so I'll be sure to get the part number when I do.

Regards,

[Kirby]

I do have a pic of a VFR switch assemble with the light switch though..... Looks very simular to the ST unit. Could be the same?...yes/no?

[Burger]

I think it could be the same but I'm pretty certain JZH would know for sure if you want to PM him. The information I'm giving you on years however will apply to all bikes sold in Europe and the UK.

By the way, I merged the original thread you started on this subject into this one to keep all the info in one place. There is a picture from Grant of the ST1300 RH switch gear from his bike, but read the following posts on years.

Regards,

[AuntyGranty]

I think it could be the same but I'm pretty certain JZH would know for sure if you want to PM him. The information I'm giving you on years however will apply to all bikes sold in Europe and the UK.

By the way, I merged the original thread you started on this subject into this one to keep all the info in one place. There is a picture from Grant of the ST1300 RH switch gear from his bike, but read the following posts on years.

Regards,
If all other options fail to find the part number Dave I'll pull my switch cluster off the handlebar and see if there is anything useful stamped on the inside? Also the next time I have the tupperware off I'll see if I can document/photograph the switch connections so we can determine if it is plug 'n' play.

AG.

[Kirby]

That would be way cool....let me know what you find. My direct addy is kurbster@swbell.net if you need to contact me directly....thanks a bunch.

Kirby n dallaSTexas
2003 ST1300abs

[Kirby]

I think it could be the same but I'm pretty certain JZH would know for sure if you want to PM him. The information I'm giving you on years however will apply to all bikes sold in Europe and the UK.

By the way, I merged the original thread you started on this subject into this one to keep all the info in one place. There is a picture from Grant of the ST1300 RH switch gear from his bike, but read the following posts on years.

Regards,
Thanks a bunch for putting these together Dave....I get a little lost in these Forums.....a lot!....LOLOL

Kirby n dallaSTexas
2003 ST1300abs

[Kirby]

I just emailed Gerry at David Silver Spares for the part number of the switch assembly. Not sure he will supply me the number...but the discounted part price was less than $50.00....I believe it was $46.xx. I could handle that if take offs are not available for sale.

[Kirby]

OK...this is the reply I got from Gerry

Hello

Thank you for your e-mail.

We did not have a 2003 ABS model in the UK. We sold the 2002 model for 2 years. This model has switch part number 35015-MCS-G01.

In 2004 the switch changed to 35013-MCS-L01, but was still a type that operates lights on/off. The later switch is also to order, but price is slightly lower, to order from Honda @ 58.54 GBP, or we can order with our discount and 2-3 week delivery @ 43.91 GBP.

Regards
Gerry

Prices exclude postage.
ALL PRICES ARE QUOTED IN POUNDS STERLING (£)

Thank You
David Silver Spares Ltd
PH: +44(0)1728 833020
FAX: +44(0)1728 832197

[Kirby]

Did those part numbers help our little project any? If there is anything else I need to do...just say the word. Can't wait to see how this turns out.... : )

[Burger]

Kirby,

Helps a lot, thanks. The thing we need to determine now is for someone to get one and see if it will just plug in and work as designed. I'll bet it will, but we can't be sure until someone actually tries it.

Thanks,

[Kirby]

Burger,
Do you have any idea what the difference might be between the two part numbers?
I thought it was interesting what he said about you guys got the '02 model for two years. I never knew that.
I'll have to wait till someone gets one of them and does the install. I'm not flush with testing parts money right now... Drat. Although..some said he was gona get the switch and do the deed. I can't recall exactly who that is though???

[Burger]

Burger,
Do you have any idea what the difference might be between the two part numbers?
I thought it was interesting what he said about you guys got the '02 model for two years. I never knew that.
I'll have to wait till someone gets one of them and does the install. I'm not flush with testing parts money right now... Drat. Although..some said he was gona get the switch and do the deed. I can't recall exactly who that is though???

Me :D I'll do it. But it's going to take a few weeks to get the switch obviously... so be patient :D

Regards,

[Kirby]

Good deal Dave...thanks a bunch. Maybe you can find someone that did a Police switch upgrade and get the take off unit.

[JZH]

Couple of comments (been away riding up and down the Alps for a week...not on the 1300, though, had to take the VFR as the 1300 had STILL not shown up by the time I had to leave!):

The infamous 2004 headlight switch deletion in the EU was apparently not actually prompted by EU regulations, but by some strange "manufacturer agreement" designed to reduce manufacturing costs (or some other BS). This was a big online discussion topic a couple of years ago.

Based on my own experience installing UK switches on US-spec bikes, I think hoping for "plug-n-play" is a bit optimistic. In general, Hondas with "always on" headlights incorporate a function that kills the lights when the starter button is pressed, and Hondas with headlight switches do not. According to the copious technical notes I made whilst doing the conversion on my '93 CBR1000FP, this is what I did:

1. Swap housings.
2. Remove light switch from UK housing and put into US housing.
3. Add two wires running to switch--cut position light circuit--the two wires run to there (need two pins from UK plugs) (circuit interrupted at fuse box).
4. Wire US start switch so that it is in series with the UK "H" position (this requires re-soldering the wires).

If you think those notes are somewhat cryptic and unclear, well, you're not alone! I'm sorry, but it has been too long for me to remember anything else about what I actually did--all I can tell you is that I worked out the changes necessary by examining the US-spec and UK-spec wiring diagrams in the back of the Haynes manual and that it worked! (Note, however, that this worked on a '90's-era Honda; '00's-era Hondas may be wired differently.)

Ciao,

[JZH]

One more thing...

About the part numbers provided by Gerry at DSS, those numbers agree with my information as well. The 2003-04 US-spec ABS-model part number (35013-MCS-L00) is similar to the 2004 UK-spec part number (35013-MCS-L01), and from what I know about Honda part numbers, from the last digit, it appears that the only change should be to the subcontractor who manufactured it. In other words, I think Gerry is probably wrong about the latter UK-spec switch also having a headlight on-off switch... :(

FWIW, (feel free to stop reading if this discussion is getting too involved!) the earlier UK-spec part number is different from the latter UK-spec part number in the "component number" section, which indicates to me a changed function, and which is possibly reflected in the name of the part in the US-spec parts book "switch set, starter kill" (whilst the 35015 part description would likely be somewhat different, it not incorporating a starter-kill function...) So, based on this analysis, I'd have to say that you'd probably not want the latter UK-spec switch if you wanted a headlight switch!

(For more info on Honda part numbers, you can check out my Web page (http://www.vsource.org/VFR-RVF_files/BHondaPartNumbers.htm) on the topic.)

Ciao,

[Kirby]

JZH,
From where I stand you can post any and ALL info you have about this and/or your thoughts. We are all hoping for a plug and play...but I have heard simular if not the same exact comments from another lister. I am a head injury suvivor and I have lots of trouble reading a comprehending so I'm hoping others on the list understand what I just read that you posted.....LOL.
Thanks for sharing your info/thoughts/observations.

[Kirby]

I really think that this mod can/will be useful to many ST owners. I just hope this wiring problem can be worked out easly so any ST owner can do the mod or at least have a buddy that can help them with it. Thanks to ALL!

[Kirby]

Any news on the Switch gear project?

[Burger]

Ah, Kirby,

I thought about this the other day and then completely forgot again, sorry.

I'm afraid it's not something I'm going to be trying now as my ST has gone. I am though pretty confident that the light switch would be a simple plug and play fitment. The reason I say this is because if I'm right, the police switch is pretty much plug and play at least as fas as the lights are concerned.

Again, sorry for not letting you know and for my memory.

Regards,

[Kirby]

Bummer....LOL...that's OK.....but what part number were you gona order? I'll start saving money and do it.....thanks

[Kirby]

OK....I'm ready to order the switch assembly....lets have the part number you think is the right one.......???? Cause I'm confused?

[Burger]

Kirby,

OK, I'll answer you here and save a PM :D

35015-MCS-G01

That's the earlier UK switch part number and the only one I know for sure would have a light switch.

Regards,

[JZH]

I concur about the switch part number, but not the plug-n-play aspect!

Ciao,