is the ignition for the GL650 and CX500 compatible?

1352 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by DaveF, Apr 30, 2011

cdyoung1985

Discussion Starter · Apr 29, 2011

As some of you know I just bought a Gl650I all in pieces, and not all of them are there, including the ignition switch, so I'm wondering if I can use the switch from my CX500 or not... I haven't run the wire harness yet, not even sure how to run it at this point, really all I've done is put the center stand back on and the front end, along with the rear fender and inner fender..... Still trying to figure this big puzzle out

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Jay Little buffalo

· #2 · Apr 29, 2011

Goodluck you can do it

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Allan

· #3 · Apr 29, 2011

If you have a CX with Transistorized Ignition it might be the same but if it is from a CDI type I don't think it would work.

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Blindstitch

· #4 · Apr 29, 2011

The answer is no. Two different systems.

One has 5 pins and the other has 6.

You don't actually need a key to turn things on. Just run a hot fused wire from the battery to the handlebar fuse and all the stuff should work just fine as if the key was on.

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DaveF

· #5 · Apr 29, 2011

To the best of my knowledge replacement GL650/I ignition switches are not readily available, even as aftermarket items. Some aftermarket switches are listed as replacements but they are not plug-and-play and will likely not fit right.

One possibility is to find a used one on ebay where someone is parting out a bike. But be forewarned the contacts may need cleaning and there may be some damage from overheating. This is rather common.

A GL500 switch can be used if you want to make an adapter harness. The fairing adapter subharness has both connector ends and is readily available on ebay. The GL500 switch is a little shorter and will be slightly recessed in the mounting location. I do not like this, but it's better than not having a switch.

Here are instructions for hotwiring your bike for testing.

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marshallf3

· #6 · Apr 30, 2011

I have occasionally seen rebuild kits that just include the entire contact assembly. Contact GeorgeFix, TAS or the other regulars.

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TimK

· #7 · Apr 30, 2011

DaveF said:
But be forewarned the contacts may need cleaning and there may be some damage from overheating. This is rather common.

What is the overheating from?... bad contacts, design caused by (?), specific to the GL's ... TI ignition... or ?

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cdyoung1985

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 30, 2011

What about a simple toggle switch under the seat or something like that? I'd still put an "ignition switch" in so people think you need the key, and so there isn't a hole there, but just flip the switch and fire it up, that at all remotely simple on these bikes? I've done it on quite a few Fords, but that was just bypassing the part I can't name right now because my brains currently fried from a long day... Although that was a push button start rather than turn key, but same kinda concept... What are the 5-6 prongs on the starter switch for? I'd think there'd be maybe 3, on, off, and park...

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Blindstitch

· #9 · Apr 30, 2011

Yeah just hotwire it and put a switch between the battery and the fuse box.

http://www.genebitsystems.com/david/MotorcyclePrep/hotwire.htm

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DaveF

· #10 · Apr 30, 2011

TimK said:
What is the overheating from?... bad contacts, design caused by (?), specific to the GL's ... TI ignition... or ?

I believe there are multiple causes. Old grease inside the switch can cause a high resistance connection, which will cause heat.

The overheating seems to be more common on the 650's as opposed to the 500's. Note the 650's have an electric fan that pulls significant current - the 500's do not.

Also see this thread.

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