What's that switch do...?

[Viirin]

My friend was buying a 250 virago yesterday and while he was there I got a look at the new GZ - I sat on it and then i noticed a yellow spring-loaded switch on the left handlebar above the low-high beam switch - I think it said "pass" or "press" but i'm not sure. Then when i looked at the virago (98'), it had it too! - this further cemented the idea that mine is not really a 04' but neither of us could figure it out and the sales assistant didn't even know. The best we could come up with is that they fitted NOS to them but it's been bugging ever since yesterday.

I take it these switches are on most of your bike and any "enlightenment" would be greatly appreciated to fix my curiosity

Thanks, Vii

[Fish Baseball]

I assume the what your referring to is the switch that flashes the high beams. Dunno why its called pass thou.

[blaine]

My friend was buying a 250 virago yesterday and while he was there I got a look at the new GZ - I sat on it and then i noticed a yellow spring-loaded switch on the left handlebar above the low-high beam switch - I think it said "pass" or "press" but i'm not sure. Then when i looked at the virago (98'), it had it too! - this further cemented the idea that mine is not really a 04' but neither of us could figure it out and the sales assistant didn't even know. The best we could come up with is that they fitted NOS to them but it's been bugging ever since yesterday.

I take it these switches are on most of your bike and any "enlightenment" would be greatly appreciated to fix my curiosity

Thanks, Vii
It flashes headlight to let people know you are passing.The switch is not on older models of the G.Z.

[Viirin]

I figured it did that or maybe put on the indicator temporarily for an overtake - you don't happen to know roughly what year they came in do you's?

[blaine]

I figured it did that or maybe put on the indicator temporarily for an overtake - you don't happen to know roughly what year they came in do you's?
I'am not positive. but I think 09.

[alantf]

I'am not positive. but I think 09.

My 2007 has it.(European version)

[blaine]

I'am not positive. but I think 09.

My 2007 has it.(European version)


I checked today,canadian models don't have it, but larger suzuki models have it.

[New GZ250]

When I was in Europe, automibles flashed their lights as they were passing a car. But what do I know, but the switch does say pass! Think it was a warning for oncoming cars!

[Water Warrior 2]

Think of the switch as a courtesy light. You flash the fellow you are behind to say you are going to pass. On less than great roads that person may help by pulling over or slowing at the proper time.

[Viirin]

2007 and 2009 - hmm thats more promising towards the the idea of my "04'" not having it and actually having it - also says "built in Spain" on the side and i only saw it yesterday! - seems like a pretty handy switch - i end up coasting most of the time when i try to flash someone with the hi-low switch - my mind can't handle the clutch at the same time so in she goes!

[New GZ250]

Even if I had a passing switch I doubt I wouldn't use it very much as I have found it is a real challenge to attempt a pass! Just need some more horses to help me out. Always happy when I can pass successfully, tried it twice and had to give up, both times on a hill!
:)

[Mercutio57]

My GZ is a 2009 and it doesn't have this-- just a hi/low switch.

[Water Warrior 2]

My GZ is a 2009 and it doesn't have this-- just a hi/low switch.
Just keep in mind the GZ is a price point bike without a lot of frills. Also with one less switch to fail and less wiring to mess with in the long run.

[alantf]

My GZ is a 2009 and it doesn't have this-- just a hi/low switch.
Just keep in mind the GZ is a price point bike without a lot of frills. Also with one less switch to fail and less wiring to mess with in the long run.

Mine's got it, but it's the one switch I've NEVER used. Seems pretty pointless as I've never seen ANYONE flash their lights while passing, & I've driven (not ridden, unfortunately) in several countries. :)

[Mercutio57]

Amen to less frills. I consider that one of the GZ's charms...

[Water Warrior 2]

2007 and 2009 - hmm thats more promising towards the the idea of my "04'" not having it and actually having it - also says "built in Spain" on the side and i only saw it yesterday! - seems like a pretty handy switch - i end up coasting most of the time when i try to flash someone with the hi-low switch - my mind can't handle the clutch at the same time so in she goes!
I am a little puzzled over this statement. What does the clutch have to do with flashing the hi/lo switch ??

[5th_bike]

What does the clutch have to do with flashing the hi/lo switch ??

You do both with your left hand.

In the beginning I accidentally honked at people a couple times, when pulling the clutch in. That sort of thing.

[Water Warrior 2]

[quote="Water Warrior":1alqq4ou]What does the clutch have to do with flashing the hi/lo switch ??

You do both with your left hand.

In the beginning I accidentally honked at people a couple times, when pulling the clutch in. That sort of thing.[/quote:1alqq4ou]
That is more a coordination thing and tucking in your thumb. What I wonder is what has pulling in the clutch and coasting got to do with the hi/lo switch.

[Viirin]

I have to take my palm off the left handlebar to flick the switch so i either have to let the clutch fully out of pull it in all the way and coast - It can probably be done without the leverage of the handlebar but i haven't the ability to concentrate on so many things at once

[alantf]

i either have to let the clutch fully out of pull it in all the way and coast -

Why would you want to do either? :??: The only time you need to use the clutch is when you're changing gear - so - if you use the hi/low switch at any other time, you shouldn't be touching the clutch. It sounds as though you don't really understand the basics of what a clutch does. :cry:

I'm not trying to be awkward, but something just doesn't gel.

[Easy Rider]

I'm not trying to be awkward, but something just doesn't gel.

Good job.....so far !! :)

ALL those things that he is talking about are usually done with the clutch all the way OUT; most of your riding is done with it all the way OUT.....and your fingers OFF of the clutch lever too.

Sounds to me like he is overly conscious of "covering" the clutch all the time.......or doesn't understand what that really means.

Not too long ago a rider in one forum said that he NEVER lets the clutch all the way out......and insisted that formal training had taught him to do that. :roll:

[Viirin]

I like to keep my hand over the clutch all the time just in case i need to stop completely - it's all the way out but my hand is still over it

[Easy Rider]

I like to keep my hand over the clutch all the time just in case i need to stop completely - it's all the way out but my hand is still over it

Not that I want to upset your routine or anything but........I think you need to loosen up a bit.

It is entirely possible, and quite easy actually, to come to a complete stop without pulling in the clutch. If you close the throttle and clamp on both brakes......the engine will die.

Maybe that's not a good way to approach the subject but it really is NOT necessary to cover the clutch like that, if for no other reason than I suspect that it gives you a cramp after a while......holding your fingers up like that. You have already noticed that it makes other "left hand functions" more difficult.

Even when making a panic stop, pulling in the clutch is probably the LAST thing you should be doing.....not the first.

[Water Warrior 2]

I like to keep my hand over the clutch all the time just in case i need to stop completely - it's all the way out but my hand is still over it



Even when making a panic stop, pulling in the clutch is probably the LAST thing you should be doing.....not the first.
We were taught to grab both the clutch and brake in an emergency stop. Also use the rear brake. By pulling in the clutch the rider is already in a position to gear down to match the tranny to the bike's speed. It is a good thing to practice to keep you safe. I had to make an emergency slow down when a deer leaped across the road in front of me. I was also in the right gear to get the hell outta Dodge because the cage behind me did not slow down.

[Easy Rider]

We were taught to grab both the clutch and brake in an emergency stop.

Grab it, yes. Stay poised over it with your cheeks clenched.....no !! :biggrin:

[Viirin]

I do 99% of my driving in the city so most of the time i'm constantly changing gear and i might not always have time to find neutral before coming to a complete stop so leave my hand over the clutch - it doesn't get uncomfortable unless i go for a LONG ride and these are few and far between

[alantf]

First of all viirin says he has to let the clutch out, or pull it in, then he says that he's just covering the clutch. "Let the clutch out???" This can ONLY mean that he's riding all the time with the clutch NOT covered, but pulled partly in. There's definitely something VERY wrong here. :cry:

[alantf]

i might not always have time to find neutral before coming to a complete stop so


Seems like someone's been giving you bad advice. With the GZ it's always a good idea to get into first before coming to a halt. This is because, with this particular gearbox, it can sometimes be a bit awkward finding first quickly. Anyway, why would you want to be in neutral before stopping. You wouldn't do that in a car with a manual gearbox, would you? You need first gear to set off again, after the stop, don't you? Like the guy said, loosen up, relax. You're not doing yourself any good getting stressed out while you're riding. That's the way accidents happen. Try riding with your hand off the clutch. It'll still be where it was, when you need to stop. :2tup:

Edit :- I've just reread your last post. When you want to stop, just pull in the clutch & apply the brakes. When you've come to a halt, then you can think about getting into first gear. If you're in stop/start city traffic, you'll probably be in a low gear anyway. This might seem contradictory to what I've just said, but I think, in your case, it might help you to relax. :)

[Sarris]

Hey Viir.... you need to relax. Way too many noobs get hand cramps, back pain, etc. from riding too tense and clenched up all the time.

As far as it goes, for me anyway, I downshift through the gears to slow the bike and stop in 2nd gear, then I downshift to first after I stop. I typically only use neutral if there is a long wait at the light.

I always pull the front brake lever while stopped to keep the brake light on while traffic is coming from up from behind. When the traffic behind me has stopped, I don't. Also, there is no need to cover the clutch 100% of the time.... again relax your body and enjoy.

Y'all flame away.

:) :lol: :) :lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

Shift down through the gears to match your speed when coming to a stop. Shift to 1st a few feet from your final stopping position. This ensures a proper gear and power to keep moving if necessary. While at a stop and in gear you are safer because you can get outta there quickly if something ugly is going to happen. There is no harm done to the clutch while sitting at a stop/red light while in gear. They are lubed and cooled by the oil.

[dhgeyer]

Shift down through the gears to match your speed when coming to a stop. Shift to 1st a few feet from your final stopping position. This ensures a proper gear and power to keep moving if necessary. While at a stop and in gear you are safer because you can get outta there quickly if something ugly is going to happen. There is no harm done to the clutch while sitting at a stop/red light while in gear. They are lubed and cooled by the oil.
:2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :plus1: :plus1:

[ncff07]

Thats the way its taught at the MSF class too. Match the gear to speed and always leave it in 1st when stopped in case you need to get the hell out of dodge in a hurry.

[blaine]

I always pull the front brake lever while stopped to keep the brake light on while traffic is coming from up from behind. When the traffic behind me has stopped, I don't.

:) :lol: :) :lol:


I got in the habit of flashing my brake light on & off when I am stopped and traffic is coming up from behind.
http://www.postimage.org/templates/images/smiley/character/8.gif (http://www.postimage.org/)

[mole2]

I always pull the front brake lever while stopped to keep the brake light on while traffic is coming from up from behind. When the traffic behind me has stopped, I don't.

:) :lol: :) :lol:


I got in the habit of flashing my brake light on & off when I am stopped and traffic is coming up from behind.
http://www.postimage.org/templates/images/smiley/character/8.gif (http://www.postimage.org/)

+1


:)