Passing switch conversion

cc2larke

Joined
Jul 28, 2023
Messages
28
Age
52
Location
Washington
Does anyone know if there are additional connectors for the Euro spec st1100 left handlebar switch over the USDM one? I learned recently that the JDM and Euro market bikes have a spring loaded toggle switch for passing, and wondered how easy replacing that is? I'm guessing it just engages high beam (not sure if it kills low beam at the same time), but doesn't lock into place like the normal high beam switch.

Thanks,
Christopher
 
I understand that on the police version, this button is used a a push to talk for their intercom. On the normal bike it injects additional 12v feed from a different fused circuit so both hi and lo beams are powered simultaneously.
 
cc2larke said:
I'm guessing it just engages high beam (not sure if it kills low beam at the same time), but doesn't lock into place like the normal high beam switch.
Click to expand...
I'd be astonished that a US spec version would lack that momentary PASS button (left index finger operation)... :unsure:
But peeking at the wiring diagrams seem to confirm that...
Likely a simple plug and play thing...
(the canadian spec ABS-II/CBS in the basement does have the EC spec LHS switch pod...)
 
ST1100Y said:
I'd be astonished that a US spec version would lack that momentary PASS button (left index finger operation)... :unsure:
But peeking at the wiring diagrams seem to confirm that...
Likely a simple plug and play thing...
(the canadian spec ABS-II/CBS in the basement does have the EC spec LHS switch pod...)
Click to expand...
AFAIK, it was never put on the USA models - at least I have never seen on stock ones.
I've only seen some folks who have installed them after the fact.
 
Of course the Canadian one has it. I've never seen the switches on any US spec motorcycle, kinda reminds me of DRL on cars--while there's a socket for the module to plug into on my car, it's USDM, so not mandated in 2001.


472301672_3503112239832282_9114529817597915884_n.jpg

472580562_1171452031248882_5578421165730471083_n.jpg
I only thought to research it because I saw these pictures from a JDM cbr that was posted to FB marketplace yesterday. Do the Canadian models have a right hand switch cluster like the one above? Is it a two position switch for headlight vs parking lights only? Again, nothing like that down here, though I do have an older 84 Honda that has an additional ignition position that leaves the tail light on only.

Thanks all for the speedy responses!
 
The easiest way for headlight 'control' is the police switch -

Police Switch Explain.jpg

But you would need a little bit of risers so it doesn't hit the tank cover at full lock (much longer than stock).
It gives you extra weatherproof 'switches' for custom use.
For example, I use switch 5 as a 4-way flasher switch on my ST1100s since US models don't have 4-way flashers. ;)
 
No idea when it was put on 1300's, but my '10 had the momentary high beam switch.
 
SMSW said:
No idea when it was put on 1300's, but my '10 had the momentary high beam switch.
Click to expand...
Did you buy it new? Installed by a previous owner if not?
Mine is a 2009 and doesn't have it. I have never seen a North American market ST1300 with it but I have never seen one newer than mine.
 
cc2larke said:
Of course the Canadian one has it.

472301672_3503112239832282_9114529817597915884_n.jpg
Click to expand...
Yep, that's the standard PASS switch for flicking the HIGH beams to signal/warn...
By this, very ergonomic arrangement, one can operate clutch, horn and PASS simultaneously if required (like while braking in anger, over an oncoming driver making a left turn...)
(one of the things I condemned the ST1300 for was the omission of that, instead they expect you to swivel the HIGH/LOW rearward; like I'd grow a second thumb out of the back of my hand...)

The PASS (single point, NO) on my EC spec ST's energize the high beam relay in addition to the low beams, while the HIGH/LOW (toggle) switch alters between those relays (hence one could end in darkness if that switch is neglected thus corroded or dirty...)
 
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There are two sets of posts here. One set for the 1100, one for the 1300.

The 1100 in the UK has a 'trigger' switch at the forward facing side of the clutch lever switch console. It is operated by the index finger of the left hand. As shown in @ST1100Y's photo above.


The UK 1300 doesn't have this. Instead it has a 3 position rocker switch for Hi and Lo beam. When in the Lo beam position the rocker can be pressed further - it is spring loaded - to turn on the Hi beam as well as the Lo beam. I believe that this was always the case in the UK models.

From the UK ST1300 handbook:

1736497349914.png

If lights are turned off then it just lights the hi beam - but on all but the very early UK ST1300s lights are always on - there is no switch.

The OP referred to the ST1100.

I believe that the same switch arrangement applies to all European bikes.
 
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jfheath said:
I believe that the same switch arrangement applies to all European bikes.
Click to expand...
Depends on the year...
While my GF's '07 NT700VA still has the *proper* PASS button like my ST1100's, will i.e. an NC750X feature the same *stupid* design as the ST1300's with ABS & E-windscreen
(only the few early non ABS ST1300 still came with the *correct* switch-pod though...)

shopping
 
Uncle Phil said:
AFAIK, it was never put on the USA models - at least I have never seen on stock ones.
I've only seen some folks who have installed them after the fact.
Click to expand...

This. It's not a STock 1300A feature. My ST doesn't have it. It's a USA 2010. A clearanced STP would have the pod and the PTT could be repurposed.

The easiest way is to use the Starter switch. When the engine is running subsequent use of the switch doesn't engage the starter. It still disconnects power to whatever headlight beam is selected at the Hi-Lo switch. This is done to turn off power to the headlights to maximize current to the starter and engine. Releasing the switch when the engine fires turns the headlight back on.

I've used this method to flash my headlights many times. A word of caution — don't try this at night as when the button is depressed you're without headlights. That said I've done it a few times but with caution.

I'd say the best way is to install the Police control pod and use the PTT switch as mentioned by Unc.
 
Interesting! I knew that it killed the headlight circuit, but didn't know that the starter wouldn't engage if the engine was in fact running (good feature, I'm sure it prevents a lot of accidental damage). That said, I'm hoping the euro switch will be here next week, and I'll let you know how the swap goes (and what circuits it engages).
 
North Carolina has a crazy "aggressive driver" law. Flash to pass is one thing that can earn you an aggressive driver award in NC. I can't imagine that anyone has ever received this award unless it was an add on for a citation involving much more serious stuff.
 
cc2larke said:
didn't know that the starter wouldn't engage if the engine was in fact running
Click to expand...
Only if the transmission is in gear and the clutch lever is in the released position. It will be powered when the engine is running if the transmission is in neutral or if the clutch lever is pulled in when it is not in neutral.
 
Ok... so I got the parts and proceeded to tear it down. The two connectors are under the airbox, so.... Found that while the connectors are the same, the wiring between them is different. Finally found the different wiring diagrams for the two different bikes. I'm guessing the front indicators do *not* light up with the headlight on the Pan European version, as two of the extra pins on the four pin connector on the US bike have additional wires going to the front indicators that the UK version does not. Additionally, the remaining two pins and some of the ones on the nine pin connector differ as well. The passing circuit is tied to the 10A fuse that goes to the brake light and indicators, and completes the high beam circuit, in addition to the low beam which stays on, this adds another line to through the nine pin. Interesting, as the UK bike seems to have standard 55/60w bulbs compared to the USDM 45/45w bulbs.

So it looks like the easiest fix is to split the two housings and graft the UK top onto the base of the US model, and just adding the switch into the circuit on the dimmer switch (if I don't just leave it the way it is), as I converted to LED bulbs, and the extra current is still well below that of the original bulbs.
 
cc2larke said:
I'm guessing the front indicators do *not* light up with the headlight on the Pan European version
Click to expand...

Some Pan owners have added the North American turn signal bulb sockets to get them to illuminate as position/running lights.

I admire your effort to get an OEM PTF button on your 1100. I'd probably just hang a button off a convenient point and connect it to a flasher circuit or relay. It's too bad we don't get it here.
 
ST Gui said:
Some Pan owners have added the North American turn signal bulb sockets to get them to illuminate as position/running lights.
Click to expand...
Did exactly this to increase visual presence...
(first an oncoming car knocked my mirror cover off in a dark alley back in '93... then the dumb "DRL/headlights mandatory for cars" came... and now you'd simply vanish in the glare of that LED crap around...)

The PTF comes handy for all kinds of communication or warnings...
Like signal that you'll yield, or thanking when you're on the receiving end of such gesture...
Or while in anger, grasping clutch, horn and PTF button with my left hand, while braking hard for that knucklehead running a stop sign, etc...
 
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