90/6 ignition switch/key, and indicators

[focusrsh]

Another couple of dumb questions.
I'm helping a buddy with a1974 90/6, and going through all the electrics to verify operation

The ignition switch key befuddles me !

When I press the key into the hole, an indicator in the tach lights up (see photo)
So first, question, what is this indicator telling me?
The pointy end of the key can point in four directions, (back, forward, up, down.) what does each position do?
I presume one direction turns the headlight on/off. (But since this a USA bike, does the headlight ever turn off?
Does one position turn off the entire bike so the starter can't engage?

Honestly, I've searched all over for an owner's manual that describes the instrument indicators and the key positions. (Neither of the two manuals I have describe the indicators and key operation, since they are repair guides.)

[focusrsh]

Sorry, the image didn't get posted with the topic.

Key in Point up_800.jpg (141.91 KiB) Viewed 319 times

[SteveD]

That's a /5 type key/instruments/headlight. 90/6 had separate speedo and tacho, Key into the left side of the headlight?

[Kurt in S.A.]

Did the first year /6 come with the older speedo pod?

Originally that light you mention is supposed to be the oil pressure light...it should come on when ignition is engaged and engine not running. The other bulbs in the speedo unit are - @ 30 is the high beam indicator, @ 20 is the neutral light, and @ 100 is the battery charge light. However there is another blub outside the speedometer unit that has the red/orange lens on it. This bike may have been rewired to show that bulb as being the charge light...I'm not sure.

The "pointy" end of the key typically points towards the rider for ignition on only. Pointy end turned towards the rider's right would also turn the headlight on. Pointy end turned towards the rider's left would turn the parking lights on. If the key were to be removed in this position, the engine would stop but the parking lights would remain on.

Headlight always-on came later. Starter cutout is done through the clutch/transmission wiring.

Kurt

[Rob Frankham]

I think we need to be clear whether this is a /5 or a /6... with the caveat that, if it's a /5 then it isn't a R90 (always assuming it's a stock machine). The /6 was never fitted with the early headlamp assembly.

If the machine is a /6 that has been retrofitted with a /5 headlamp (and this was something that was donequite a lot), then the wiring would have required modification to fit the /6 loom with the /5 electrics in the headlamp.

If you PM me with an email address, I can send you PDF versions of the /5 and /6 owners manuals which may help... but... if the machine isn't as it came from the factory, it's going to be a matter of working out what the PO has done.

Rob

[focusrsh]

Big thanks to everyone for the insights, although you've confirmed my worst fears!
this bike is a Bitsa. The current owner told me yesterday that the previous owner got it from a junk yard.
No doubt the PO likely tried to "fix it up".
The engine and frame are definitely 90/6 (based on serial #) . The headlight shell and instrument, are, as you have note, likely from a /5 (Photo of he instruments included. The shell is oxidized black, but the tank and front fender are matching green, More indications of hack assembly, BTW, the big red indicator on the shell blinks with the turns signals.
So let this be a warning to all the kindly good-natured among you that making you repair skills available to friends is perilous.
As Dr. Greg House, on the show House M.D) often said, "Everyone lies".

Instruments 1.jpg (94.94 KiB) Viewed 139 times

[Tom H Ca]

Shell should be black and the upper left light should blink with turn signals. Tank and both fenders should match.

Should be fun???

Tom