Buttons & Switches
About Buttons & Switches
Handlebar switches put a control within thumb reach: an engine kill, cruise or radio buttons, or a simple on/off for an added accessory. Riders shop this category to replace a cracked or sticky housing, to add a function the bike did not have, or to swap a worn stock switch for a chrome or black billet one.
Start with the side and the clutch type. Housings are made for either the left or the right bar end, and the billet Contour switches in this category are listed separately for hydraulic-clutch and cable-clutch bikes. Next is bar size: the kill switches in the samples are listed for 1-inch and 1-1/8-inch bars. Then decide between a direct-fit housing made for a model and year, and a universal switch that you wire in yourself. Kill switches are also listed as normally open or normally closed, and the right one depends on how your ignition circuit is wired, so confirm it against your wiring diagram or the listing.
Brands in this category include ZETA, HardDrive, Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited and Custom Dynamics. A housing sits on the bar beside the grip, so you may need to slide the grip off, and Grips, Covers & Pads, Hand Brake Levers and Clutch Levers sit alongside it. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page for model-specific housings. The wider group is Handlebars, Grips & Controls.
FAQs on handlebar switches
What is the difference between a normally open and a normally closed kill switch?
A normally open switch is open until you press it, which closes the circuit. A normally closed switch is closed until you press it, which opens the circuit. Which type your bike needs depends on how its ignition is wired, so check the wiring diagram or the listing for your model before you buy.
Can I use a universal handlebar switch on any motorcycle?
Only if its wiring and clamp suit the bike. A universal switch has to be wired into your ignition or accessory circuit, and the clamp must fit the bar diameter, such as 1 inch or 1-1/8 inch. Direct-fit housings are made for a model and year, so use the Ride Finder to find them.
Do I need a left-side or right-side switch housing?
Housings are made for one side. The left one sits by the clutch lever and the right one by the throttle. Listings also note details such as three-button layouts and whether the bike has a cable or hydraulic clutch, so match the side and those options to your bike.
What does a tether kill switch do?
A tether kill switch uses a cord that clips to the rider. If the rider is separated from the machine, the cord pulls free and the engine shuts off. Check the listing for how it mounts and wires into the ignition of your machine.
How do I replace a handlebar switch housing?
Disconnect the battery, remove the old housing and unplug its wiring, then fit the new housing and route the wires so they do not pinch at full steering lock. Test every function before you ride, and follow the maker's instructions for your model.
