Classic side stand and starting issues

[Ageing Rotarian]

Where do we start?
1) bike (Classic) would only fire and run if the starter button was pressed.
2) Side stand switch has never worked even though wired into that bike. Side stand switch indicator light has always illuminated dimly when the bike was running with the side stand retracted. Note bike is fitted with an immobiliser.
3) ballast resister was changed (general consensus of the problem) no effect.
4) Classic wiring diagram shows an orange wire running from the starter solenoid to the ignition unit. The side stand red and black wire also runs to the ignition unit. Note the black and red wire runs to the ignition unit via the immobiliser.
5) found the multi pin socket that connects these wires together was loose. Pushed them firmly together and the bike ran. thought problem solved.
6) pulled the socket apart, bike still ran (now confused)
7) on closer examination of the socket the wires were crossed, orange to black and red and Visa Versa. Pondered on if that was deliberate and couldn’t think of a reason why so de pinned the plug thus swapping them. Bike now starts on the button, runs well (really well) and the light now does not glow dimly when the bike is running.
8) side stand switch still doesn’t work, so I bypassed the immobiliser checking that the switch is changing state (one side goes to earth the other to the ignition unit) and wired it straight to the ignition unit as god intended, still doesn’t inhibit the bike when the side stand is down.
I think the general consensus is that the immobiliser (which is now several years old) will have to go as it is causing more and more issues but would like to know if anyone else has had a similar issue with the side stand?
If you are still awake, thanks for reading and any thoughts would be appreciated.

[James]

#6---- Are you referring the twin plug for the side stand switch? Mine was forced backwards, I changed it to be correct, but never thought it was an issue either way.

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[Ageing Rotarian]

Hi James, no the socket is under the left hand side panel. I have been trying to upload a photo but it repeatable says the file size is too large, am I missing something?
Regards
Roy

[James]

Hi James, no the socket is under the left hand side panel. I have been trying to upload a photo but it repeatable says the file size is too large, am I missing something?
Regards
Roy

you have to reduce the image size, either from your camera or a graphics program , send it to me through the email and I will do it for you.see your messages

[James]

here are your photos

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[Ageing Rotarian]

Thanks for posting them James and confirming this socket is non standard.
I guess whoever was doing the ‘surgery’ on the wiring loom has ‘codged’ up the crossing of the wires.
Question still stands about the side stand switch as to if anyone has had the problem with the bike not being inhibited when the side stand is down?
As always gents any input is appreciated and thanks again to James for posting the photos.
Regards
Roy

[johnbirchjar]

Hi dont know if this will set your mind at rest,but many many summers ago I was getting grief from my side stand switch so I just disconnected it and never bothered to have it fixed,(unlike the Commando side stand that dumps you off in the road,the Classic one is much shorter and just give a gentle nudge if you forget to kick it back up,)ride safe,J.B.

[Ageing Rotarian]

Hi John, now the bike is running I am not overly fussed with the switch but curious as to the reasons why.
Always appreciate the feedback as their is always a wealth of knowledge and experience on the forum.

[johnbirchjar]

Probably age?the old switches are getting on a bit now,40+years in some cases.J.B.

[James]

With my Classic with oem wiring I simply pulled the red/black wire out of the plug going into the stock ignition , allowing the side stand switch to turn on the ss light but not kil the ignition.

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[Ageing Rotarian]

Pretty much where I am with things James, it would be nice for everything to work as it should but sometimes it’s about consequences. Yes, it would be be great for it to kill the ignition (as it does on my replica) but if you have the warning light then that should be sufficient. if you then ride off with the side stand down then maybe you deserve what comes your way.
All good fun.