Ignition Switch Replacement

Hey everyone! I recently got my 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim on the road (new wheels and all) and was having a blast. I decided to make one final stop on the way home after getting my new wheels and when I came out of the store my key wouldn't turn in the ignition leaving me stranded. The key would insert but would not turn. There was no wheel lock. They key just wouldn't turn from OFF to ON. Thankfully there was a home depot nearby so after looking up some youtube videos and forums about the issue I decided to try some graphite lock lubricant to no avail. So I youtubed how to hotwire the bike and rode home perfectly fine. At this point I figured it was just an ignition switch issue and went ahead and purchased a new one. I plugged it in and it works smooth as butter; now I need to get the old ignition off the bike.

I was able to unbolt my speedometer and tachometer to get a better view at how the ignition is bolted in and it seems there are two bolts going up from underneath on either side. I've attached the photos below, one from on top and the other from below showing the bolt. Have any of you replaced an ignition before? I am having a hard time removing the bolt from underneath since I'm technically operating backwards and upside down Also, is it feasible to remove the handlebars/top and access/unbolt the ignition from on top of the bike? Thanks!
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I don't think removing the handle bars will help you. You have to tackle it from the underside. Yamaha doesn't make them easy to get at......

I don't think I've ever pulled the ignition form an XJ, but if it's like the ones I have done you'll need a 10mm socket, some extensions and a universal joint........

 

Got it off and replaced! Thanks.