Is a working neutral position light a safety inspection requirement? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Is a working neutral position light a safety inspection requirement?

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KWDRZ

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I have a street bike with a motor swapped out of an off road model, DRZ400SM frame with a DRZ400E motor in it. E model motor didn't come with a neutral switch from the factory and no ability to add one due to different internal parts.

Is this an item on a safety inspection or no? I can't find the inspection list online. I am thinking not because I feel like there are plenty of bikes that didn't come with one is the past. Or is the rule different in that case? Obviously the SM has a neutral light from factory, so is it an issue it doesn't now?

To add the neutral switch to this motor would mean splitting the engine cases and replacing the shift drum, that holds the contacts for the sensor. E model does not have said holes on the shift drum.

Can anyone confirm? Thanks
 
KWDRZ said:
I have a street bike with a motor swapped out of an off road model, DRZ400SM frame with a DRZ400E motor in it. E model motor didn't come with a neutral switch from the factory and no ability to add one due to different internal parts.

Is this an item on a safety inspection or no? I can't find the inspection list online. I am thinking not because I feel like there are plenty of bikes that didn't come with one is the past. Or is the rule different in that case? Obviously the SM has a neutral light from factory, so is it an issue it doesn't now?

To add the neutral switch to this motor would mean splitting the engine cases and replacing the shift drum, that holds the contacts for the sensor. E model does not have said holes on the shift drum.

Can anyone confirm? Thanks
Click to expand...
Interesting wording. Not sure if SM had a neutral safety starting switch, that could be a clear fail. The wording for the light says it can only operate when in neutral but doesnt appear to require it to operate when in neutral (safety switch says "shall function as prescribed by manufacturer", light doesnt have similar wording). As the wording sucks, it could also be interpreted as the neutral indicator light must work in neutral.

If you cant get a mechanic to pass it, Instead of splitting the cases, does someone make a gear position indicator with a neutral light? Obviously wont be as robust as an internal solution but should be a hell of a lot easier to add.

e-Laws | Ontario.ca

www.ontario.ca www.ontario.ca

Schedule 6

5.(2) The neutral safety starting switch, if originally fitted, shall not have been removed and shall function as prescribed by the manufacturer and the neutral indicator light shall operate only in neutral.
 
I'd be surprised if that was reason enough for a fail. But sure some might.
 
KWDRZ said:
I have a street bike with a motor swapped out of an off road model, DRZ400SM frame with a DRZ400E motor in it. E model motor didn't come with a neutral switch from the factory and no ability to add one due to different internal parts.

Is this an item on a safety inspection or no? I can't find the inspection list online. I am thinking not because I feel like there are plenty of bikes that didn't come with one is the past. Or is the rule different in that case? Obviously the SM has a neutral light from factory, so is it an issue it doesn't now?

To add the neutral switch to this motor would mean splitting the engine cases and replacing the shift drum, that holds the contacts for the sensor. E model does not have said holes on the shift drum.

Can anyone confirm? Thanks
Click to expand...
Depends on the mechanic some will have no problem some are ***** and will fail for worn peg feelers.

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KWDRZ said:
I have a street bike with a motor swapped out of an off road model, DRZ400SM frame with a DRZ400E motor in it. E model motor didn't come with a neutral switch from the factory and no ability to add one due to different internal parts.
Click to expand...
As far as I know both motors are the identical - they both have provision for neutral switches. Find it and hook one up. A shop manual will help.
 
TK4 said:
As far as I know both motors are the identical - they both have provision for neutral switches. Find it and hook one up. A shop manual will help.
Click to expand...
Internet sure seems to agree with OP. Lots of people wanting to add the light (or making a mistake and reassembling with the E part instead of the SM part). I'm surprised Suzuki did this.
 
GreyGhost said:
Schedule 6

5.(2) The neutral safety starting switch, if originally fitted, shall not have been removed and shall function as prescribed by the manufacturer and the neutral indicator light shall operate only in neutral.
Click to expand...
Having safetied a few bikes and many cars, it seems clear if the bike is registered as an SM and originally had a neutral indicator it is required to work
With that said hypothetically, I've safetied lowered cars (they're a fail since 2016ish) for friends and family I knew were NOT selling, and were personal vehicles that wouldn't screw me if they were pulled over.

You need to find a mechanic that gets the difference between an actual safety issue and you engine swapped your bike.
 
Edit: Oooops, @GreyGhost beat me to it

From the regulations, Law Document English View

- (2) The neutral safety starting switch, if originally fitted, shall not have been removed and shall function as prescribed by the manufacturer and the neutral indicator light shall operate only in neutral.

- (a) each circuit shall light the filaments of all lamps on the circuit when the appropriate switch is in the “ON” position, and each indicator lamp shall indicate correctly;
 
TK4 said:
As far as I know both motors are the identical - they both have provision for neutral switches. Find it and hook one up. A shop manual will help.
Click to expand...

Nah, there are some differences between the motors. I rebuild them fairly often, just wasn't sure about the safety if I sell one.
 
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