Stupid Headlight Question

[49er]

That must be a pain when the battery is 1/2 flat and you're desperately trying to start the bike...

Half flat? You Aussies aren't trying to run ya bikes on ony 3 cells are ya? Mr Zuki had you in mind when he kept the kick starter on until '79.

[Mike McNaney]

I dont remember the year but it is a federal requirement for motorcycles to have the headlamp always on now. It happened sometime along the same time as the dreaded 85 mph speedo. along with seatbelts for cars in the early 60's, backup lamps in the mid 60's side marker lights in the early 70's etc.

I feel so safe now I want to hug myself.

One of my next projects for this year is to rig a switch to cut all lights including brake lite for a sort of secret squirrel stealth mode.

[Steve]

If you want to restore the ON/OFF function of your switch that is locked in place, it is rather easy. It has been a while since I did it to my son's '81 450T, but I think it only involved removing the housing and then removing the tab from the inside that was locking it in place.

I have installed one of these modified switches on the '82 650L and checked the charging voltage. It actually charges better with the light ON. :shock: Probably has something to do with the duty-cycle of the regulator, but I usually have the light off to start the bike, then turn it on before hitting the end of the driveway. (I said usually. )


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[feelergaugephil]

I put a switch on mine to cut out the lights when I don't need them on.