Motorcycle Electrical Ignition Switches for Yamaha DT175
Yamaha DT175 motorcycles went through four different phases of development. Engineers completely redesigned the ignition switch on more than one occasion as a result. If youre looking to do some repairs, youll want to match your year and model to the right switch for great performance.
Why do some DT175 bikes use high-performance CDI starters?The Yamaha DT175 is very literally a street-legal enduro bike that features a comparable ignition switch. Early versions of the bike use motocross parts you wouldnt normally see on a street or racing motorcycle. If your DT175 features a CDI ignition, then you can use nearly any Yamaha plug that fits a trail bike of that era. Even though youre working with a motorcycle that can handle highway work, it will still work fine with off-road electrical components.
Can you use aftermarket IDI ignition parts with a DT175?Universal ignition components designed to replace the motorcycle ignition switch on a wide array of DT175 motorcycles usually use IDI components. While these are drastically different than the CDI ignition switch boxes that Yamaha provided stock on their bikes, they may work every bit as well if they match the specific type of motorcycle you have. Third-party manufacturers that make these kinds of ignition switch boxes have to perform subtle alterations to fit different types, so it can be very important to find the right one for your bike.
What DT motorcycle models do 5R2 ignition switch assemblies fit?While bikers usually think of the Yamaha DT175 as a single motorcycle, it might be more accurate to think of it as one name for an entire family of related DT types. Yamaha used different names at different times to describe what is essentially the same motorcycle using the same motorcycle electrical ignition switches. The 5R2 ignition switch should fit your Yamaha if it was made between 1980-1986 and uses any of the following names:
- DT125
- DT175
- XT250
- XT350
- DT175 Enduro
You only need a magneto to start the engine if the ignition switch on your bike came with one originally. These additional engine parts are only used on some Yamaha trail bikes. If you do need one, then you wont have to deal with any other ignition system. The magneto box itself serves as a universal ignition switch. This should make doing work on the switch easy since you can work on universal parts in your own garage.
What tools are needed to replace a universal switch?If youve ever changed out a brake on your ride, then you already have the tools needed to work on the switch. Switch boxes can be removed with regular screwdrivers as long as you make sure to disconnect the ignition switch feed line from the battery. Every switch features standard hardware. This means you wont need a weird proprietary bit to open up the canister that holds the ignition switch.