Motorcycle Repair: 1983 yamaha 650 maxim, light position, yamaha 650

Question
On the original ignition switch, when you turn the bike off, and continue turning the key counter-clockwise to the lock position, the steering (forks), of course, lock. The key can be removed from this position.  NOW, if you leave the key in, and continue turning counter-clockwise about another 1/4 inch, there is one more position -- what is that position?  The key can be removed from this position, and the forks stay locked, but what is this position, and what is it for?  The lettering on my ignition switch is so worn out that I can no longer read it.  Is this position used to turn on parking lights (the turn signals) while the bike is parked somewhere?  I never used this key position before and I accidentally turned to it when I parked.  I left my bike parked for about 8 hours, came out, went to start up, and whoa! not so much as a wink of light came on.  I'm just wondering if I accidentally discharged the battery...a simple problem.  Sorry about the long explanation.

Answer
Hi Ralph,

The extra key position was indeed
the "Park" light position even
though no one uses it much.
I remember assembling and servicing these bikes
when they were first released.

The park light would drain your battery if left
on for very long. A bit of a useless
feature but Yamaha was trying to
promote the new custom style at the time
and thought it would be an extra feature
to include it.

If your battery is not damaged a recharge
should fix things up.

Good luck!
Wayne S.
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