Question of curiousity.........

I was looking on ebay, and came across these round key ignition switches

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IGNITION-SWIT ... 1837wt_716

Are they compatible for my '81 XJ550 Maxim?

 

If you study the wiring diagram for your bike you may be able to see if that particular switch will work. All ig switches have the same thing in common: off, on, and start. Good luck!

 

You may get it to WORK and FIT, but it doesn't appear to be a wheel LOCKING key switch.

If you are not worried about making your bike that much easier to steal and/or are MOVING your ignitions switch anyways, you could probably get it to work

EDIT: I also notices its labels says: OFF, IGN and Lights.

My XJ switch has Park (not all do), LOCK, OFF and ON.

So you will have to figure out how to wire just OFF and ON.

 

Thanks for replies that is what I was thinking, but I thought I'd get experienced thoughts first

 

with enough ingenuity, ANYTHING is possible

go for it! and let us know how it goes.

the only downside i see is the fact of the lack of a steering columm lock. other than that, ignition switchesought to wire up pretty universally.

good luck!