Ignition Switch Location

Information relating to the Matchless G5 or AJS Model 8 350cc Lightweight
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Ozmadman
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Ozmadman »

cbranni wrote:Well then Ladies and Gentlemen the lefts have it :beer: :beer:
Maybe I should change mine then?? and then wonder why I can't start it
Paul
1960 Model 8
1974 Yamaha RD250B US Model 6 speed
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Colin F
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Colin F »

Stuoyb wrote:The wiring diagram in the owners manual shows:-
Left - Ignition
Right - Lighting
But if you look at the actual wiring inside the sockets the wiring diagram is viewed from underneath!

Logic tells me as most things are set up for right handed people and they tend to use their right hand to operate the switches the lights should be on the right, easy to operate while riding. The ignition is only operated when stationary so the right hand can reach across and operate that switch.

Just my logic.
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Ozmadman
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Ozmadman »

Better leave mine as it is then as I am left handed and maybe the PO who had it rewired was L. H too??
Paul
1960 Model 8
1974 Yamaha RD250B US Model 6 speed
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Rob Harknett
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Rob Harknett »

Maybe some have bikes intended for export with RH drive.
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SideValve
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by SideValve »

My 1959 Model 14 has the ignition on the right.
Peter W
Rangy65
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Rangy65 »

Just thought i would add to the debate - as sitting on the bike ignition is on the right lights on the left.

I feel that you need to keep your right hand on the throtttle whilst switching lights on/off with your left simples!!

Cheers
Steve
JohnHewes
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by JohnHewes »

But Colin, the hand which you can take off of the bars is the clutch hand, the right hand is operating the throttle. It's not about right or left handed people.
However you can reach both switches with either hand!

This is getting trivial, put it where you want.
(But ignition on the left is right)

John
Winkie
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Winkie »

I agree that it doesn't really matter, but 1966 models at least certainly had the ignition on the right. In 1967 I bought an almost new 1966 Model 14 CSR and the ignition switch was on the right. If you have access to the AJS & Matchless Gold Portfolio book there is a road test of the 1966 model with a photo of the controls, and the caption refers to the ignition switch on the right (page 145 for those who have the book).
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Rob Harknett
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Rob Harknett »

When referring to what is right or wrong, you should refer to what factory literature states. Not another authors error, or refer to a machine that has been changed from its original manufactures spec. My unrestored 66 CSR still has the ignition switch on the left.
Winkie
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Re: Ignition Switch Location

Post by Winkie »

I totally agree. I wasreferring to a reprint from an original road test so maybe the bikes varied from the factory! Not really important, anyway!
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