My recently acquired R5 came with a "marriage" of ignition switch parts - a lower bracket from one model and main switch body from another. The wiring had been changed to (more or less) work on the R5. 

I have found a correct R5 switch and would like to sell on the main body of the incorrect one. However, first I would like to change it back to the correct spec and to do this I need to identify what it came from. It has a three digit number and, if I know when use of these ceased, then that might save me a little time on my research. My own guesstimate would be very early 1970s.

Thanks very much.

Does the switch tumbler itself have 3 digits?  Or the key?

Maybe my memory is faulty but my recollection is Yamaha was using 4 digits in the 1960's... as early as 1964?

 

Yes and yes, Mark!

Matching key and barrel, number 350.

Looks to me like the type that fits between the clocks, rather than under the tank.

I'm assuming that it's been painted and would have had some sort of silver finish (chrome?) on it originally.

Excluding "Off", there are two key positions and the barrel is in good shape - key can't be removed unless in the "Off" position.

Original wires (possibly 10) have been removed and new ones (4) have been soldered on to the base, leaving quite a few terminals "vacant"! 
 
It is far too nice to bin, so I would like to a) find out what it was originally fitted to and b) repair it. Saying that, part of the lower half might have been chopped off, so it might only be good for parts.

Some photos are attached.

   
 

I found an old key list from 1971...  it doesn't list 350.  But it does list key numbers used by model.  All are 4 digits.  Some...  notably the YDS keys listed... have a leading "0".  My guess is the "official" key number you have is 0350 and they leave off the leading 0? 

I could not find any 3 digit key numbers. 

Thanks Mark.

I have seen Yamaha switches that appeared to have unused terminals like yours does...  and the body design looks later...  maybe more like mid 70's?

Key also looks mid-70's...  earlier original keys had plastic tops...  but could have been a replacement switch bought later.

Hope you figure it out.  Detective Pete RT1 probably could find it even if it's from a rare model only sold for 6 months in Timbuktu. 

Thanks Mark.

I'm thinking now that it might even be a pattern one, as there is no "AD" stamped on the underside.