Boxerworks.com

The R65 is nearly ready for the MOT but I've come across a problem.
When i turn the ignition key to the first position the instrument and back light comes on but when i turn the key to the second position the back light and instrument lights go out.In the first position the bike will not start (sounds about right) and in the second position the bike starts (again sounds about right).
I removed the ignition barrel and the wires appear to be going to the correct spades,There are only two positions that the key turns to after insertion,should there be more positions than two,I looked at MOTOBINS' site and had a look at the plastic collar that gets put on after the pad is installed and it looks as if there are more than two positions the key turns to.
I bought the ignition barrel from e-bay a couple of years ago so i don't know if the barrel is actually from an R65 (even thought the seller stated that it did),it does have five spades at the back.
Any thoughts regarding this,I'm still on the steep learning curve regarding boxers.
Thanks again.

Hello !
Your switch is not the correct model. You should have a 5 position one : first is parking light only , key can be removed. (ideal to drain the battery) second is normal (motor can run) third is normal plus parking light and last one is normal plus parking light and main light.
On some market, there has been a "continuous burning" where lights are always on when you start the engine. Maybe you got one of this switch ? (but the wiring was modified to accomplish this)

What year model? In my Haynes, the pre '85 models seem to indicate that the US models have a two-position switch (plus off) where the first position turns on the instrument lights, etc, and the second position allows starting, but the lights should still be on. The diagrams shows the UK switches with 4 positions (plus off). The '85-on models seem to have just two positions but again, the second position should maintain the instrument lights.

Kurt in S.A.

Yeah - georgesgiralt needs to identify year and global location, too.

For ignition switches, I would guess (without looking up part #s) there might have been two different ones for the twin shock models and for the mono shock model.
Also, there is every possibility that the European models had a different switch than the U.S.
I know my '79 R65 had a couple of un-used spade connectors.
Mine is gone now, but as I recall, my U.S. model had three positions - Off, Parking and Run/headlight.
My headlight was on all the time, except when the starter was engaged, the starter relay would cut it out.

Hi guys,thanks for the replies,My R65 was manufactured in 1983,looks like I need a new ignition barrel,thanks again.

Ignition switch and starter relay sent for,£60 used from MOTORWORKS including postage,hope I'm on the right track.

My '81 only has the 3 positions, including off. I took off the stock instruments so I don't know if those lights come on or not. Headlight is always on in the third (start/run) position.

The guy at MOTORWORKS said it was a five position ignition switch so hears hoping.

RealOEM shows 51251243501 for the European '83.

51251243607 for my USA '79.

Got the stuff from MOTORWORKS today and bloody hell,wouldn't you know it,the bloody ignition switch won't work.
I'll have to return it tomorrow,starting to get fed up now.
haven't ridden a bike at all this year and thought the r65 would be up and running by now.