Mystery Solenoid - what is it?

[HuskyVarmit]

Does anyone have an idea of what this is/was? It is attached to the back side of the throttle bodies on an '85 K100. I just bought the bike (my first K) and so far can't find anything like this referenced in any manual that I have or on the BMW fiche.

The wire isn't attached, it is just a ground wire.

[lostboy]

This is a vacuum switch, found only on early Ks. It is connected to the Ignition Control Unit. When a steady, high vacuum signal was signalled, the ignition timing would be advanced to reduce fuel consumption. When the throttle cable recall was performed, it was suggested that the switch be removed from service. Many techniques were used to do this. I would remove the switch and clip the wire.

[HuskyVarmit]

That makes it even more interesting. The reason I was down in that area was that the recall replacement of the throttle cable had never been done. When I got down to the bracket, I found this little orphan hiding behind the airbox. Somebody must have clipped the wire since the only wire left in that area that is visible is a ground wire under the right hand mounting screw.

Apparently this particular bike has had an interesting history. The more i dig into it, the more 'unique' things I find.

Well, what should I expect from a 25 year old K100C. Oh yeah, they didn't make a C. Hmmmm,wonder how that mini fairing got there?

[RUDYJO]

If Lostboy had not given the answer to this, I would have said that it sure
looks like the igniter you find in the propane BBQ's.