Switching Horn & Starter Buttons on a Motorcycle

Switching the horn and starter buttons on the motorcycle is a very simple process.

As some motorcycles require pulling the throttle while pushing the starter simultaneously to start the bike, switching the horn and starter buttons on a motorcycle may be very useful for left-handed people, who cannot seem to be able to start the motorcycle with only their right hand. However, it can cause traffic accidents in some circumstances if done incorrectly. Doing this the right way is simple; in fact, it is only a matter of rewiring the two buttons. There are no advanced skills necessary to complete this process, and it should take about 10 minutes if done properly. Make sure that your materials are of good quality before beginning.

Things You'll Need

• Owner's manual for your motorcycle
• Screwdriver (if needed)
• Wire cutter
• Electric tape

Instructions

1. Read the owner's manual to locate the wires for the horn and the starter buttons. They should be colored differently. Double-check, if necessary. If the colors of the wires are the same, use the screwdriver to disassemble the casing for the horn -- located on the left handlebar -- following the directions in the manual. The casing for the starter button should have only one wire leading to it. However, if this is not the case, disassemble the starter button casing according to the instructions in the manual.

2. Flip the electric switch on the right handle up to turn off the electricity. Then turn the key left to make sure that the motorcycle is off.

3. Slice the wire for the starter button around 1 foot below the handle with the wire cutter. Squeeze the cutter gently with the blades about 1 inch above the cut on the wire extending from the handle. Pull the wire covering of the wire off. Do the same to the other side of the wire.

4. Slice the wire for the horn around 1 foot below the handle with the wire cutter. Squeeze the cutter gently with the blades about 1 inch above the cut on the wire extending from the handle. Pull the wire covering of the wire off. Do the same to the other side of the wire.

5. Take the bottom wire from the horn and pull it over to the top wire of the starter button. Place the wires parallel to each other and twist the copper together. Wind the electric tape around the copper repeatedly to cover it up.

6. Take the bottom wire from the starter and pull it over to the top wire of the horn. Place the wires parallel to each other and twist the copper together. Wind the electric tape around the copper repeatedly to cover it up.

Resources

• Dan's Motorcycle; Online Parts and Shop Manuals; Dan