[Matt G]

Ok, here is what I am dealing with. I have a 88 GL1500 that the neutral switch that is acting up ( very hard to get a light when it works) and needs to be replace, the problem is, the part # called out is for the 88 and 89 only and are now made of hens teeth and no one can tell me the difference between the 88/89 switch and the later models and if they can be made to fit the earlier years. I might have to come up with a work around as right now I cannot get the bike to turn over.

 

[Bluewaterhooker0]

Can't help you with the neutral switch, without a fair amount of research, but you should be able to start the bike by pulling in the clutch lever. There is a switch on that lever that allows you to start while in gear, in case you should stall at a light, without going back to neutral. If you can't start it with that lever pulled in all the way, you may have some other issues. I know the later bikes are set up that way, and assume the 88-89 models are the same, as it only makes sense.
My understanding of the part numbers, in general, is that the front section of a part number is the actual part specific number, and the last numbers represent manufacturing source codes (different suppliers of the same part). That being the case, if you can find the same front end model number, any variation of supplier (last digits) shouldn't make any difference. They should be the same part.

 

[Matt G]

Here is what I have for part #s
88/89 use 35759-MN5-003

95 use 35759-MY4-000

 

[DaveO430]

I would bet a cup of coffee it will fit.

 

[DriverRider]

It should fit mechanically, the later gear position switches are 5 wire with the extra wire for 2nd gear sensing. Early models used N, 3, 4, OD sensing only. BLK/YEL is the unused 2nd gear wire color on replacement.

 

[OldNewbie]

+1 worst case you'll have a extra wire at the connector.
Local shop's tech had same issue and I advised use the newer style. He said no problem installing.

 

[Matt G]

I would bet a cup of coffee it will fit.

it fit perfectly, instant light now. While I have it down I am chasing a number of gremlins out of the bike. The Clutch switch was not working, determined it to be no enough material on the handle to close the switch when it was pulled, fixed by layers of aluminum tape, works perfect now. Cleaned the hand switches for the radio and CB. replaced a couple of water pipes that were removed in the process of removing the front cover. last big thing is the temp sender went T/U, and have to replace it.