Most of our classic motorcycles do not have to go outside this season. Just because of the fact that all wetness and dirt can cause misery to two of the most nasty switches on board: the jiffy switch and the dead man's switch.
Spray can solutions
WD40 cleans and lubricates. The oil brand Valvoline also has such a product with the name '1299'. That stood for: Is good for 1 thing, for 2 things and 99 other things'. It stayed with local world fame for that product. WD40 stands for 'Water Displacement, 40th attempt'. The 40th attempt to make a moisture-repellent for NASA. And of course Valvoline couldn't stand NASA. With the WD40 / 1299, dirt can be sprayed away while the switch is made normal again. It also works great as a hand cleaner. It appears to be unhealthy with skin contact. But what doesn't know, what doesn't bother.
The jiffy switch
That famous WD 40 is more a cleaning / solvent than a pure lubricant. So after the stuff has done its miracle work, make sure you have a drop of oil. But for now we are not that far yet. We will see why the engine does not start. Place the engine on the centerstand or support it - IN THE GEAR - against a solid object. Then move the sidestand in and out. See if anything moves in the mass of dirt that often hangs at the height of the hinge. That is the home and residence of the jiffy switch that briefly closes the ignition so that it is not possible to drive away with a jiffy extended.
Try to move the moving pin of the switch a little extra by moving it back and forth with the tip of a screwdriver or pair of pliers. That usually works at a given moment. And if that doesn't work? Then it is time for plan B. If the switch is defective, the two wires must be connected. This can be done by removing the wires with a lighter flame or pocket knife and twisting the copper wires together. That is a road repair 1.0. Better are an extra piece of wire and a few 'AMP' terminal plugs or a crown stone. And after all, you already had that on board? In this way the switch can be bridged. The engine works again. But can also drive well while the sidestand stands out proudly. That is a disadvantage. The same approach applies to the all-important rear brake light switch. He usually lives under the same harsh conditions and is often forgotten during a wash or cleaning job.
The dead man's button
And the other switch moment that can spoil our lives? That is the dead man's button. It may end up in its short-circuit position while maneuvering. And we will never have done it, but there are people who see the humor in turning that dead man's button and then waiting quietly when the owner of the so-broken engine sees the light. Always check the deadman button before starting. Certainly when a couple of people are grinning at the engine. For 20 + ers who have often slept outside, sometimes the switch will close. The deadman button interrupts the ignition circuit so that the spark plugs no longer get sparks. It is a sensible thing. But he's not on cars either. So he could just be bridged.
