There are 2 switches at the back of the transmission for this 1996 R1100GS: one is the neutral switch and the other is the gear position switch. The gear position switch is old and crumbling, but is it really needed?

This bike does NOT have a Rider Information Display. From the schematic, I cannot see any use for the gear position switch except reporting to a RID.

A new switch is slightly north of $100. Does anyone know of its actual need?