head light

[bigshepered]

i have a 1979 xs1100 special. i m having promblims with my headlight not coming on. so i ran a hot wire to the light for now.so does anyone know what is wrong with my light thank you very much

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Shepered,

There are several possible reasons why it doesn't light!

First of all, I hope you're running the bike to test it, because there is a latching relay that turns on the headlight when the engine is running, and the charging system is working so it sends the power signal which throws the relay!

IF the charging system isn't working then it won't latch the relay and it won't light! Put a voltmeter on the battery and check charging at idle and then 2500 rpm. IF it doesn't go above 12 volts at 2500, it's not charging!

ALso, simpler thing, did you check the FUSE! IF you still have the glass fuse holder and fuses, they can LOOK okay, but be broken, shorted, etc.! Pull the fuse and test with meter!

Also other items may be the actual HEADLIGHT RELAY not working even if it is charging properly!

Get a meter and check things out!
T.C.

[bigshepered]

thanks

ya iam checking it with the bike running and it does charge over 12 volts when running and i also changed the fuses. thank you for the information.