Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Oops, sorry about the pad recommendation. Not sure what I was thinking since you have photos of the front end and brakes. Anyway, glad it helped with the rear.

I have lost track of how many times I have assembled, and disassembled, this ignition/gauge/headlight bracket. I decided I needed to fix a few areas that showed up after paint. Hammertone won't hide everything. New finish is back on.

Looks like I get to add hand controls to the list...

These handle bar controls are worth to be rebuild....

I can't get the switches out, I am afraid to break them.

Since I am not certain how these need to be removed, can anyone give me some tips which way these switches come out? I have tried to pry (gently). All screws have been removed.

Try carb dip or a Ultra sonic cleaner.

Currently soaking in WD40 for starters.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationrebuilding those switches might be a test of insanity. they look pretty shot. if if you pretty l them up i think the terminals and contact points will be still problematic with that much corrosion. You can get some reproduction KZ900 switches that work well, and have a very similar look. I run them on both my KZ's. only downside is the kill switch is orientated right which is easy to accidentally hit with your hand. I solved that problem with quick turn throttle sleeves.

I've been going back and forward on this as well. I've got two sets of original switches and after blasting the cases are OK. The contacts may need some cleaning and soldering, but should be alright. My main problem is getting the text looking good (grooves are pretty shallow and filling them with paint and sanding off the excess didn't always work).
Pulling them apart shouldn't be a problem. There is a screw in the side of the high beam switch that needs to come out, the kill switch has a screw underneath. I seem to remember the hazard light switch being a bit less obvious. There was a screw somewhere that needed to come out. If you have any problems let me know - I can take another look at it.

Edit: if you do decide to restore them I have a complete set of spares here (both my sets were working before I pulled them apart).

I will attempt to save the originals until it becomes obvious they can't be beaten into submission. As far as filling the text with paint, I have some dental picks and a lot of spare time. I have been trying to repaint my side cover emblems with limited success, mostly because I am a picky bastard. So far the first one is not to my liking. I am trying to get the letters done in gold, so sanding the tops won't work. But back to the switches... DoctoRot, do you know if the wiring on those replacements match the KZ750? That is a good fall back option if mine prove to be trash. I had never considered using switches from another model/bike. Thanks for the link!

i used ER6 switch gear on mine they reqired very little wiring work as the colours are the same as other zeds ive worked on OEM always works better for me than repro stuff seems to