A switch for detecting various angular positions of a motorcycle side stand bar is a rotary switch so arranged that a movable contact therein is moved with respect to stationary contacts in response to movement of the side stand bar whereby the position of the side stand bar can be detected while the switch can be advantageously positioned to permit greater freedom of switch design and installation and protection of the side stand pivot member. Various switch configurations and modes of attachment are disclosed, as well as various modes of electrical application of the switch in the operation of the vehicle.