changing the switchgear for r80gs

**Jimbobby** · #1 12 May 2008

Hi

Apologies if this has been discussed before but.....

Is it possible to fit the later switchgear, I think post 1991 on an earlier r80gs, specifically a 1989 model. If it is possible does anybody know how, and how difficult it is.

any help much appreciated

cheers

Jim

**Frank Warner** · #2 13 May 2008

Assume -

You have;
The indicator/blinker switch on the left side is a 3 way switch - centre off.

You want;
left side handle switch button for left turn
right side handle switch button for right turn

right side handle switch button for cancel turns

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The indicator/blinker control unit is totally different and will require some more wires. The handle bar switch connectors are different and will require interfacing to the bikes standard wiring loom .. unless you chance the main wiring loom too. There will be lots of labour (time) in doing this .. unless you have previous electrical experience or you are very methodical I'd advise you not to do it.

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I can see no advantages to doing this ... so Why?

**Jimbobby** · #3 13 May 2008

Well to be honest I am on the brink of buying a 1989 r80gs with the older switch gear.

The idea to get an airhead first got in my head when I met a german couple in africa on a r80gs and a r100gs. I distinctly remember the 80 (1989) having the same switch gear as the 100 ie the later type. So I was wondering if this was a common mod, and how easy it would be to do. It would appear no and difficult

thanks for the reply

cheers

Jim

**gsworkshop** · #4 24 Jun 2008

If the couple you refer to was Werner and Claudia, a German couple that traveled through Africa on a 80 and 100 GS build by HPN. They also visit these pages regularly and post under the user name GUMMIKUH.
As far as I can remember Claudia's bike was a 91 or newer so it came out with those switches.
Besides the electrical problems the handle units is also different. To change this will mean you must change the brake master-cylinder and throttle cam etc.
I would recommend that you leave the switches as they are and replace them with new ones if they are not in a good condition.
If you want to make a better change I would recommend the replacement of control units supplied by HPN. These are from older bikes and might look very inconspicuous but they are simple and very reliable. It also include replacing the master-cylinder for a Brembo unit and a Magura throttle unit used by many rally riders.
- HPN-Motorradtechnik GmbH - Germany -
Fig 1. show the throttle unit and the switch on this page - http://www.hpn.de/pdf/hpn20.pdf