Switchgear conversion

[fawudd]

Hello All, I am switching handlebars and since the new ones do not have holes for wiring, I am wondering what others have doen in this situation. My first thought was to simply notch the switch casing so that the wiring can remain outside the bars. This bike is not going to be stock, so I could also change the switchgear completely. I'd be interested in hearing thoughts from either perspective, or other alternatives....TIA

74 CB750

[cbRider]

It's not going to be stock (original) so why not drill the holes in the new handlebars?

Karl

[Rick V]

I have notched the switches many times in the past.I disassemble the lower half and use a dremmel to remove the material and be sure to clean away any burrs so that the wires don't chafe.Drilling the handlebar is a neater way of routing the wires but my concern would be with the structural integrity of the bar . Honda used to reinforce the bars at the holes down by the clamps .

[rtabish]

you are referring to pre-79 SOHC bikes. newer bikes were all outside the bar. this makes it easier to work on, and makes for easier interchangeability. i would go with the newer style.
and structural integrity is a consideration, as far as drilling handle bars. i would think holes big enough to route wiring through would compromise this.

[Myumi-2]

I took a notch out of the switch gear using a small angle grinder.  If the notch is small enough to allow the wiring loom out, but small enough so that it pushes against the wiring loom, then it is not noticable.

[fawudd]

I also had concerns about drilling an aftermarket handlebar, and I'm not sure if the 79+ switchgear has the same wiring (anyone?). I'll try notching the housing as suggested. thanks

[Myumi-2]

My bike is made up of parts from a 72 and 74 CB750's.

When i replaced the left switch gear, with the gear that was suppsed to be for the 72-74, I had to change the horn from a positive earth to a negative earth (or vice versa, I cant remember anymore).

The other issue is that the original switch gear often has a pin which is intended to both earth the unit and locate the correct position on the handlebar through a small hole in the handlebar.  Carefully file this pin down.  If you go to far you will need to add some form of earth into the switch unit.