[DaveB.]

Sounds like an ongoing problem. Can I bypass. the existing switch and wiring and install external switch.? Reverse is working but ya gotta hold he switch in. Not seeing a lot of positive feedback on repairs of the original switch.

 

[ssncob]

Short answer - you can. Longer answer - the switch has old dried up grease in it. Not real difficult to disassemble and clean old grease out and then lube with a lubricant containing teflon. I had to on several bikes, haven't needed service since.

 

[spummerr]

Fred Harmon has a video of cleaning it and returning it to normal

 

[techdude2000]

Sounds like an ongoing problem. Can I bypass. the existing switch and wiring and install external switch.? Reverse is working but ya gotta hold he switch in. Not seeing a lot of positive feedback on repairs of the original switch.

If you can’t get it to work correctly with cleaning and new lubricant, then you could rig up another switch, but this switch opens one circuit and closes another circuit when it’s operated. In other words, when it’s in the out position, there’s power from the reverse actuator position switch that routes through it for starting the engine and the other half of the switch is open and not sending power to the cruise/reverse control module. When you push it in, the starter circuit power gets opened/removed and the reverse module is then powered, triggering it to engage reverse. This is the diagram for the 01-05 models, but the 06-17 is wired the same with possible wire color changes.

 

[bndiii]

Try softening up the grease in the switch using a hair dryer and cycling the switch a bunch after you get it warm. Don't use a heat gun as it runs too hot. do the heat/cycle switch several times and see how it works. Have done this on mine and friends and have had good results. LET US KNOW IF IT WORKS!
Billy