Control Ideas

[Gimpy]

I'm making over a couple of 70's era classic BMW airheads and I'm a little stymied about what to do about the controls.  The old ones are beat up and ugly to begin with so I don't want to put them back on.  I think I'm going to use a motogadget for the gauge and indicators.  So to match I think I need some sort of chrome or brushed and not to modern looking controls.  Anyone have any ideas? 

I know it may appear that I have stumbled into the wrong forum, but I have seen so many cool mods and ideas in here that I figure its worth asking.

[MotoCreations]

You won't be disappointed by the MotoGadget gauges -- I highly recommend them and have used exclusively for about three years now without problems.  My favorite to integrate into the headlight bucket is the MINI iteration and using my own LED idiot lights as required.  Standalone is to use either of the bigger gauges with their idiot light panel to compliment. 

Controls -- as in throttle / brake and clutch or the switchgear itself?  (just trying to define better) 

[DarkStaR]

If you're talking about the switches:

Check out Spidey's Bike:

[Gimpy]

Yeah I need ideas for the throttle, clutch, and brake.  But what I really need is ideas for turn signal switches, run-kill switch, choke, and things like that.

If you're talking about the switches:

Check out Spidey's Bike:

Perfect, This is exactly the type of inspiration I was looking for!! 

Keep the ideas comin'

[DucHead]

I think Stewart used Pingel Slimline switches on Spidey's bike.  I doubt there's anything better on the market.

[Drunken Monkey]

I think Stewart used Pingel Slimline switches on Spidey's bike.  I doubt there's anything better on the market.

The downside of these switches is they require some fairly involved electronics to work properly. At the very least you'll need a self-canceling turn signal relay.

And Willie's Moto Design in Germany made some truly micro switchgear, but they appear to be out of business  :'(

[Ashmon]

And Willie's Moto Design in Germany made some truly micro switchgear, but they appear to be out of business 

DM I was wondering if you knew where someone might be able to get pictures of those? Id love to just be able to see different ideas for new controls.

[Drunken Monkey]

Uh, you'll probably have to wait until I get them mounted on my bike

Oh yeah, and finish debugging the custom electronics I had to put together to make them work 

Seriously, I don't recommend them unless you're obsessed over getting exactly the right look.

[Spidey]

I think Stewart used Pingel Slimline switches on Spidey's bike.  I doubt there's anything better on the market.

Yeah, they're Pingels.  They cost a bazillion $ for all of 'em, but cleaning up a cockpit was a priority for me.  The buttons are large enough to use with gloves, but it takes a bit of practice.  I wouldn't want to get any control with a smaller button (which is what kept me from using those German micro-switches Drunken Monkey has).  I also didn't want any of the integrated switches like on those custom choppers.  Too much bling/electronics for what I was going for.  I was looking to pretty much duplicate the stock set-up, but get rid of the awful, huge plastic controls.  I'm happy with the Pingels, but if I had to design my own switches, they'd look a bit different. 

Gimpy -- here are some of the close-up shots you asked for in a PM. 



Top--kill switch
bottom--starter


Top--horn and brights
Bottom (L->R)-- Left turn, right turn, toggle for Motogadget display



One logistic note about my set-up.  See how the Motogadget toggle switch is on the far right at the bottom?  It really should be flipped (a project for me for a later date).   The bottom should only have the L/R turn signals so that they are easy to use without accidentally hitting the wrong button.  Make sure that when you're setting up which button goes where that you think about (a) the button locations you are familiar with, and (b) which buttons you use most and how to get to those buttons easily while minimizing mistakes.

[DucHead]

Yeah, they're Pingels.  They cost a bazillion $ for all of 'em, but cleaning up a cockpit was a priority for me.  The buttons are large enough to use with gloves, but it takes a bit of practice.  I wouldn't want to get any control with a smaller button (which is what kept me from using those German micro-switches Drunken Monkey has).  I also didn't want any of the integrated switches like on those custom choppers.  Too much bling/electronics for what I was going for.  I was looking to pretty much duplicate the stock set-up, but get rid of the awful, huge plastic controls.  I'm happy with the Pingels, but if I had to design my own switches, they'd look a bit different. 

I love how clean the switches look.   

[Gimpy]

Thanks so Much !!!!       And you reminded me of a very important bit.  I had totally forgot about the need for the Motogadget toggle. 

The downside of these switches is they require some fairly involved electronics to work properly. At the very least you'll need a self-canceling turn signal relay.

And Willie's Moto Design in Germany made some truly micro switchgear, but they appear to be out of business 

Self canceling turn signal relay was already in the works, but since these are all momentary switches a lot more relays may be in order.

[Spidey]

Thanks so Much !!!!       And you reminded me of a very important bit.  I had totally forgot about the need for the Motogadget toggle. 

Self canceling turn signal relay was already in the works, but since these are all momentary switches a lot more relays may be in order.

You'll also likely need the Motogadget oil temp sensor.  It doesn't work with the OEM Duc sensor.  Dunno about other brands (I think you said this was for a project bike that wasn't a Duc?), but the Motogadget website seems to suggest that you're not likely to have any luck without their sensor.

Drunken Monkey has been working on a top secret project (or completely not secret - -who knows?) that gets around the need for a self-canceling relay.  You should have your people talk to his people.