Ignition switch compatibility

[Dan79]

Can anyone advise me whether the ignition switch from any other bike is easily interchangeable with the one on a 1984 Honda Magna 500cc. By easily interchangeable I mean can be fitted by someone with rudimentary electrical knowledge requiring no "creativity!"

I'm advised by Honda spares supplier David Silver that the exact part is discontinued but looking at images on the internet of ignition switches from the Interceptor 500cc and Magna 750cc both look identical to me with corresponding wiring colours (minus wiring for parking lights on one which I do not care about anyway).

Spares for this bike on ebay are not common - turn up from time to time but I'd rather not wait for five years.

If anyone can advise as to interchangeability of ignition switches between the 500cc Magna and others, or any other suggestions for getiing round a faulty ignition switch when the part is no longer available I'd be grateful for replies - bearing in mind my electrical knowledge is that of a dunce. I'm aware that dispensing with the proper electrical ignition switch entirely and sticking a hidden switch in is an option but that would be the last resort.

Cheers
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Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[Xenocide]

Do you mean the key or the kill switch?
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KTM LC4 400 | Honda VTR1000

[Dan79]

Sorry if I wasn't clear before - I meant the key switch - the one that also incorporates the mechanical steering lock. Not the kill switch, not the starter button.
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Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[Bezzer]

Do you know the part number for yours? , the VF750 one is
35100-MB0-007
It's a pretty good bet that models from the same manufacturer same era and type are interchangeable albeit with the possibility of an odd minor difference that would be easily overcome. The major problem would be locating holes and where it comes through the yoke not lining up but if you reckon the ones you've seen look the same go for it.
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I used to be indecisive but now I'm not quite so sure.

[Robby]

I would expect it to be the same part as in the VF500, and by extrapolation the VF750 and probably 1000, along with most Honda of that era with the steering lock built into the ignition switch.

There isn't much to an ignition switch - a couple of bolts that are often a bastard to get to, and a single multiplug wiring connector with 4 connectors. I would take your existing one to a breaker and ask them to match it up with something. You may even get lucky and find that the same key works.