Reed Switch on Temp Gauge

Does anyone know what this reed switch does? It's connected to one of the temp gauge connections but i've converted my instrumentation to an all-in-one digital gauge for my chopper. Do I need this switch to have the temp monitored?

 

Which bike are we working on here?
Oil temp is important. I'd work on retaining it IMHO.

 

the schematic shows it connected to the water temp gauge, but after looking at the manual, I think the reed switch is for signal cancellation...but why is it on the water temp connection! The bike is a 750 Maxim-X 85.

 

My experience is only with the 81-83 650/750 Maxim/Seca so I'm wandering into no-mans land here. I will work on the assumption that the reed switch you are looking at serves the same function as the reed switch on my Seca. It is used to count revolutions on the speedo cable to provide distance data to the turnsignal cancelation unit. It should have nothing whatsoever to do with your gauges. Now, since I don't have your model schematics in front of me, I will reiterate that I am making a generalization based on previous experience and assuming that the manufacturer continued to use this design in later years. Yamaha tends to stick with systems with little or no mods between models and years. If you are of a mind, send me a PDF of your schematic and I'll happily walk through the wiring jungle with you. We can work offline, I'll pass you my work number via PM if you care to.

 

My recommendation would be to hit up the site dedicated to the Maxim-X and ask the nice man there who hails from Ontario. If he doesn't know, he'll ask around for someone who does.