Unknown switch function

So I've got a '75 KZ400, and most of the controls are easy to understand but there is this mystery hole labeled ON-PO-OFF Was this even a button? It just seems to go to a rusty bracket of sorts inside.

Ferd_Berfal wrote: So I've got a '75 KZ400, and most of the controls are easy to understand but there is this mystery hole labeled ON-PO-OFF Was this even a button? It just seems to go to a rusty bracket of sorts inside.

A sliding lever entered the slot whereby the rider could select among three positions for the headlight function:
ON, PO and OFF.

On UK models -- non-USA models -- the PO position was for a parking light aka City Lights which lit a small 4 watt bulb for riding at dusk.




On USA models, the PO position is non-functional and the stamped letters for it aren't high-lighted in white, .

The round push button below the slot is the starter button.

The dimmer switch for selecting between high and low beam is located on the left side of handlebar.

If the headlight on the bike at hand is always ON, would guess that the switch in question has been internally hard-wired into the ON position.

As I recall, the sliding lever was later discontinued on US models incident to enactment of the governmentally required Headlights-Always-On provisions.

Good Fortune!

The running light regs weren't around until '81 so the switch would have been fully functional. Many have modified their bikes to keep the headlights fully on for pre-81 bikes. My 79 shaftie had the switch at the on position and the slider removed.

Mine has it and I have it wired so the PO position my headlight is on but the tail light is off for stealt purposes. :evil:
Steve

Wow! I've had my KZ1000a for nearly 40 years and I never noticed that!!!

On mine, it operates the ejector seat!

Kawasaki used the same switch housing for a multiple models and markets. Not all switch functions were active depending upon the regulations of the country the bike was to be sold in. As Patton pointed out, non-functional positions were not highlighted with painted letters. In some cases, there wasn't even a switch lever. However these typically had a rubber plug filling the opening.
Yours doesn't have a plug and the "rusty bracket" is probably the remains of what was a switch lever originally. The wiring diagram in the service manual for your model/year/market will have a switch contact matrix showing the switch positions your bike was originally equipped with. The lever and knob appear to be the same style as the Z1. Those are available separate as a reproduction piece. Check EBay or give the guys at Z1 Ent. a call. They'll hook you up with a replacement lever assy .

and on the Japanese models,its the rocket launcher.

The left hand switch has a "Pa" position on the Hi/Low beam switch that is not functional on US market bikes. It's a momentary flash of the high beams used for Passing on the European market models. In Europe, flashing high beams is an accepted signal and courtesy to move over and allow the faster vehicle to pass. From what I've seen In the States, flashing the high beams is a signal to slam on your brakes, throw the the middle finger and go into full road rage.

MDZ1rider wrote: The left hand switch has a "Pa" position on the Hi/Low beam switch that is not functional on US market bikes. It's a momentary flash of the high beams used for Passing on the European market models. In Europe, flashing high beams is an accepted signal and courtesy to move over and allow the faster vehicle to pass. From what I've seen In the States, flashing the high beams is a signal to slam on your brakes, throw the the middle finger and go into full road rage.

It's also totally illegal to flash your brights or headlights at oncoming traffic in some States!!

davido wrote: and on the Japanese models,its the rocket launcher.

I wish. :woohoo:
Steve

MDZ1rider wrote: The left hand switch has a "Pa" position on the Hi/Low beam switch that is not functional on US market bikes. It's a momentary flash of the high beams used for Passing on the European market models. In Europe, flashing high beams is an accepted signal and courtesy to move over and allow the faster vehicle to pass. From what I've seen In the States, flashing the high beams is a signal to slam on your brakes, throw the the middle finger and go into full road rage.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: You're right. :woohoo: