[Jeff Higgins]

Not really...

The ignition switch failed on my old Sportster the other day while bombing along in the express lane of one of our local freeways. It turns out the rivet that holds the external post, where the hot wire from the battery attaches, failed and the post fell off. Once diagnosed, I was able to simply attach the positive lead directly to the ignition wire post on the switch and ride home. Not really a big deal, assuming one has a nice comfy place, like in the garage, to do this.

Next to the inside lane on the freeway, with virtually no shoulder (not wide enough to park a car), was not such a place. Cars ripping by at 75-80 mph. I parked the bike as close to the guardrail as possible, and was actually working on it from over the guardrail. There just wasn't room for both of us on the shoulder. I know modern vehicles are far more reliable, and "breakdown" lanes or shoulders are largely a thing of the past as we try to cram one more lane into old right of ways, but every now and then, someone might need one.

Another thing that strikes me, in regard to old motorcycles, is the lack of availability of quality parts for the little detail bits. Oh, we can buy engine, transmission, clutch, brake, and other parts that are actually superior in every way to original. But things like switches seem to be overlooked. I had rebuilt this one twice already, and don't really feel like buying another $12 cheap ass piece of crap that will fail again. I would gladly pay several times that for a quality switch. Seems no one wants my money, though, or there just isn't a market for them.

Oh well, I did find what many in the old Harley world declare to be "the one" on ebay. NOS, and the guy knows what he has, but did I mention I "would gladly pay several times that"? Well, here's my opportunity. Hopefully this is the last one I'll ever need.