I bought my first 79 in 1980 and within a few months had gotten rid of the handlebar buttons altogether since they kept breaking. I have another one now (long story) and it's more stock and I think I want to keep it that way and sell it but the buttons are still a problem for me. How are you who have these years coping with the starter, horn, etc. and even the run switch.
Or is it just me?

 

After 30 + years of pushing,clicking,switching and vibrating,they do wear out....Any aftermarket place still carries them.....Plus, check your wiring, it all comes with riding old iron.....

 

The only stock switch I had consistent problems with was the front brake handlebar switch. For the rest of the switches use a heat sink when you solder the wires to keep from melting the switch.

 

When you get the new switch in place, and before mounting the switch housing to the handlebar, wrap some electrical tape around the bar where the switch housing goes. I'll give it some insulation and keep it from shorting out against the bars.

 

they are junk, ive gone through many off/run switches front brake light switches.... i came up with buying all the newer style switchs and levers.... but like the old look so i just deal with it.... actually the i just soldered the wires to the run switch and just use the main shut off....

 

If you want the original look just leave it there, disconnect it and install your own toggle or push button down by the ignition on the left side of the bike. Quite often it's the starter relay contacts. Mine is under the battery shelf on my '78. I cleaned the contacts and it does start with the button. But I'll probably replace both in due time. It's really no big deal.

 

Had issues with my 81 controls, pulled them apart to find a huge mess and about 3 tubes of sealant.
So i made the gamble of going to late model controls and levers as over here in new zealand parts are hard to come by. And i love them id never go back. Only problem i found was new switches run a single power to run ALL the switches.
Where as the original switches have individual power to each.