Motorcycle Repair: 1981 yamaha maxim 550cc, japanese bikes, japanese bike

Question
Hello, Chris -

I recently rebuilt a 1981 yamaha maxim 550. (the carburator and did services - changed any and all filters, new battery, changed oil, etc...  -  did NOT go near the transmission - didn't suspect any problems, there.)  I started out with everything working but the right directionals and the headlight.  I took the switch assemblies apart and cleaned them (both sides).  NOW, I have my directionals and the headlights, BUT if I put it in gear, it shuts off. As if the kill switch was thrown.  Got any ideas?

Answer
Hi Rick.
 I happened to have had an XJ550 and the one problem that it had, which is common to most all of the Japanese bikes built since 1980, is that there is a small switch on the frame at the sidestand.  It is called a sidestand cutoff switch and it commonly goes bad.

 Bypass it and get rid of the switch or replace the switch.

 It's purpose is to prevent you from moving the bike with the sidestand down.  Supposedly, to prevent the sidestand from causing you to crash if you turn with it down.  Never heard of that happening on any japanese bike since the sidestands don't lock, like Harleys do.

Good luck.
FALCON