Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello everyone.
I have a quick question. My 82 nighthawk has a dead key switch (ignition switch?) Anyway what i'm wondering is how to get it up and running outside of push starting it. Is there a way to hotwire it? All the switch does is close a connection to provide power. The starter switch is on the handlebar. It also has a 6 wire harness running from it, two wires being heavier than the rest. Any advice? Is my lack of knowledge showing?

go to your dealer and order either a replacement OEM ignition switch or aftermarket switch (Emgo should make one that will fit your bike), or you can try taking the ignition switch apart and giving it a thorough cleaning and see if that helps.

I had this problem with my snowmobile, the dealer had a box of ignition switches. cost me 23 bucks. talk to your dealer or a scrap yard.