Headlight kill switch

[silver_ride]

I'm going to wire a kill switch into my headlight and i'm wondering how you guys would go about it...what type of switch, what wire to put it on, mounting etc. Thanks

[CatatonicBug]

Just curious, why would you want to do that? Your headlight needs to be on whenever you're riding, so there is really no need to turn it off until you kill the engine.

The '78 right handlebar controls came with a headlight on/off switch built into them. You could swap for one of those, and it would look like it was meant to be there. Of course, you'd have to play with the wiring connections a bit, but it would be possible.

[silver_ride]

Because i want to be able to turn it off when i stop for smoke brakes at night. Sick of nosy cops hassling me

[CatatonicBug]

Why not just turn off the bike? Even with a headlight kill switch, the tail light will still be on, attracting the same attention.

[jwhughes3]

I'd quit smoking.

Seems you could run a simple kill switch into the fuse panel wiring to do this.

John

[silver_ride]

Because i dont feel like shutting it down just to have a 5min smoke and de-numb my ass. Any tech related advice you could offer would be great

I figure its a simple job, just gotta figure out the right wire..im more worried about getting the wrong switch and messing something up..im thinking most any little switch from auto zone would work

[CatatonicBug]

Ok, just trying to offer simpler, cheaper options.

You'll need a weather-proof switch/housing that can handle the amperage of the headlight. They should be labeled with their rating on them.

[silver_ride]

Cool, i presume that would be the same amperage as the headlight fuse. I assure you i will not be using the switch to commit any crimes! I just want the option

[fredintoon]

Cool, i presume that would be the same amperage as the headlight fuse. I assure you i will not be using the switch to commit any crimes! I just want the option

Hi Matt,
from the previous posts, your need is to have the capacity to kill all your lights while leaving the engine still running.
That requires a switch in the the wire that runs the headlight & gauge lights and another in the wire that runs the tail light.
OK, it's doable.
And even if you quit smoking your tail still would still need a rest now and then, eh?
Some thoughts:-
Gas ain't cheap, turn the engine off.
If you CAN turn your lights off you now have the chance to leave them off when you ride in the daylight.
That gives those cell-phone yabbling soccer moms a better chance of beating a vehicular homicide rap when they run you down.

[Tat2demon]

Mine has a headlight on/off switch. When did they stop including that on the XS?

[jwhughes3]

I think only the 78 had them since US DOT says after 78 the headlight had to be on when running so it was eliminated.

John

[natemoen]

Yup, only the '78's had the headlight switch but it only controls the headlight before the engine is started. Once started the headlight relay trumps the switch and you can't shut it off.

I am considering repurposing my headlight switch to control some driving lights.

[Tat2demon]

Ah thanks for the info. Ive had the bike 3 months now but never had the urge to flip the switch.

[Laptop_geek]

I think only the 78 had them since US DOT says after 78 the headlight had to be on when running so it was eliminated.

John

My 79 has the switch, but there is no saying that the PO didn't swap the right hand controls with that of a 78.

[silver_ride]

I have no intention of riding with the headlight off, im not suicidal and i dont like getting pulled over. Im in MN and its nice to get some heat while it idles. Also good to listen to how its idling. Im not worried about the $0.05 worth of gas im burning sitting there, or the tar building up in my lungs while i enjoy a cigarette and check my phone. I like to just enjoy my time riding and not tearing my brains apart analyzing every little thing i may or may not be doing wrong. And yes, id like to be able to kill my headlight if i want to. Thanks for the advice so far, duely noted.