1937 Chief ignition switch question

[agreeneone]

Hi,
I acquired a 37 Chief project bike in running condition. I have since taken the bike apart to make necessary repairs and get it road worthy. I think the bike was originally a battery, but someone added an aftermarket magneto. I notice there is no wire from the ignition switch to the magneto. I see that Greer's offers two ignition switches, one for battery another for magneto. I'm assuming by the B on the switch pictured it's for a battery, but what is the difference between a battery ignition switch and a magneto ignition switch?
Thank you!

[otis71]

The B generally means for the hot wire from the battery to connect to that terminal on any ignition switch but I’m not an Indian guy so I stand to be corrected if I’m wrong.

[tfburke3]

A battery switch connects/disconnects the battery to the ignition circuit.
The mag is independent of the rest of the bikes electrical system except the mag switch has a grounding terminal M to kill mag in off position.
These switch's are not interchangeable ,but you could use a hidden toggle to ground the mag wire for off.
Happy new year
Tom

[agreeneone]

Thanks for the information about the ignition switch! This is helpful.
Aaron

[ammorest]

I would suggest a grounding kill button possibly on the handlebars. With a toggle switch you might forget to turn it on resulting a lot of kicking until you remember to turn it back on. Or you could splurge and buy the magneto type switch from Greer.
Dave

[bikerdds]

Dave, on most mag switches, there is a terminal that grounds out the mag. You can cut that terminal trace and operate like a normal battery ignition switch. The 37 is easy to open. Gently open the prongs. Then test the terminals until you find the mag one. If it can be cut, you save the grief of replacing it. Marty