[dbriannelson]

The sidestand switch wire runs under the left side of the engine, then plugs into the harness. I'm considering removing the switch and wiring, maybe cutting the harness plug off, then jumping the leads (soldered and shrink-wrapped). Should clean up the looks, remove a failure mode, etc., and as I've done that with the other bikes, I seldom find myself pole-vaulting away from a parking place.

The rear brake brakelight switch also seems redundant. I never use the rear without the front brake. The wire there isn't as annoying visually, but plugs into this giant plug along the right side of the frame. I may also chop and shrinkwrap that. Any neater ways to do this?

The horizontal cylinder intake valve cover seems to house the tach drive. I'm considering swapping the whole tach drive/tach/instrument cluster to someone who wants that for an older bike, as the tach seems to be of limited or no use on a bike that loses torque before the redline anyway. I'm not real sure of this one yet, as I don't know if the tach drive is retrofittable, or vice versa, if the solo speedo can be fitted on the new bike. Any advice?

Any other thoughts on cleaning up wiring/plumbing on the bike and particularly, the engine?

-Don

 

[Guest]

I'm in agreement about the side stand switch, but I use the rear brake by itself when stopped a intersections from time to time. Seems I'm always putzing around with something every time I stop.

 

[Guest]

The rear brake switch may cause problems around inspestion time.

 

[Guest]

I just installled a Cycle Cat rear set and I agree that the rear brake wire looks funky just hanging there. I did not remove it because of the reasons stated above. I sometimes use just the rear brake to scrub off some speed, and our bikes are had enough to see even with the brakelight....

 

[krista_k]

front valve cover is not tach pickup. it's for some other purpose.

 

[JEFFS900S]

I did the sidestand safety removal bit just after I bought the bike. took the switch off the stand and cut the weires way back. I did it for just the reasons you mentioned, I havent regretted it at all.

Like somebody else said... depending on the state inspection requirements, you may need that rear brake light switch.

Good luck.

Jeff

 

[Speeddog]

AFAIK, the horizontal cylinder valve cover houses the engine/oil temperature sensor that the fuel injection/ignition ECU uses to decide mixture and timing.

You'll need to keep it unless you switch to carbs....

 

[Reckless_Kelly]

Actually the front valve cover has a sensor to determine the position of the Camshaft so it knows when to fire and when not to fire the spark plug. The older Ducs (pre '99 and FI) fire each plug at TDC and at BDC on each cylinder. The sensor tells the computer whether the intake valve is open or not, and therefore whether or not to fire that plug.