How Do I Remove Ignition Switch, R100R?

[ridewv]

Hello,
The silver plastic, instrument cowling on my 1993 R100R was scratched up by the PO's windshield so I'm gonna paint it. I've got it off but can't figure how the switch comes out. Does the back come off and it removes out the top or do the black plastic rings (around the key slot) come off and the switch removes downward? I can't believe that I'm having this hard a time with it. At least I haven't broken it or shorted something out! (I did remove the battery.) Thanks
Rick

[mikea]

ridewv,
Attached to the bottom of the black ring are 3 prongs aimed downward into 3 corresponding slots in the instrument carrier. These must be pushed inward - toward the center of the ignition switch. To find their locations, gently pry up the edges of the ring. Using something like a straight dental pick, push them inward while maintaining very gentle upward pressure.

You may also be able to access them from below, after you have disconnected the instrument carrier and have it to the point that it is sort of dangling by the wires going to the switch.

I have usually broken one of these prongs when removing it-the two remaining ones hold it in place ok if you do break one. The ring is inexpensive if you have to replace it.

Mike

[The_Veg]

Don't forget the two tabs that hold the switch in the instrument panel.

[ridewv]

Thanks Veg and Mikea. I'll be at it tomorrow evening. Too late and too many beverages tonight!
Rick

[ridewv]

Don't forget the two tabs that hold the switch in the instrument panel.


I can't believe this but I'm still having difficulty removing it! Do the two tabs that hold the switch in the instrument panel get released first? I see two openings in the back but haven't been able to see any kind of release inside there. The switch, black ring(s) on top, and what appears to be an outer switch housing on the back side, are all still tightly attached to the cowling.
I tried to remove the top ring but I can't even slip a thin feeler gauge beneath it. It *seems* like the back of the switch should un-snap somehow first but I can't see (litterly which is part of the problem) how the back of the switch comes apart. Frustration is building, I'm about to get the Dremmel out! :banghead
Rick

[mikea]

ridewv,

It's been a while since I've done this, so I'll hold of on a reply for the moment. This is very doable but some things can just be frustrating. Give The Veg a chance to give a definitive answer; if he doesn't catch this, I'll pull the cover off mine and see if my memory is jolted.

mike

[The_Veg]

OK, sorry if I wasn't clear about this earlier...in I know I wasn't as I was going from memory but a moment ago I went out and checked.

Here's the real deal: The plastic cover over the back end of the switch is secured by two tabs that protrude into the instrument panel. You can see one of them here (circled):
http://vegomatic.smugmug.com/photos/54478448-M.jpg
Sorry about the fuzzy quality...Also disregard the different instrument panel- it came from a Mystic but that's good for you because it means I could get a clear shot at the switch.
Anyway, there's a tab on either side. I found that a screwdriver or such was helpful for depressing these tabs. Get them both pressed and you should be able to remove the cover from the switch. Once the cover is removed, you should be able to remove the switch in the same direction- the cover holds the switch in place.
If you already have the cover removed, then the black face-ring you're having trouble removing is holding it. The ring is held by three small tabs. It should readily pry loose- perhaps a previous owner glued it in place? I wouldn't hesitate to destroy that ring as it serves no purpose other than cosmetic and a replacement should be available.

I hope all that helps- let us know how it goes.

[ridewv]

Thank you Veg! It's off and I'm going to put the Dremmel away. I'm proud of myself too, a few years ago I would have lost patience yanked it apart with channel locks or worse.

I sprayed the gray cowling and turn signal bracket covers satin black. With most everything on the bike a shade of black, those light gray plastic pieces just stood out in a bad way IMO. I guess BMW thought they would resemble a metal alloy.

Rick