First "Bike" 1980 xs100

[Skuvas]

Hello, This May(2014) I bought my first motorcycle it was a Modified 80 xs1100

previous owner had tried to add turn signals , Removed fenders, modified frame and a few other changes i'm sure i haven't discovered

I started Actually riding for the first time this September two days after getting the endorsement on my Drivers License and I have been having a blast!

now for the parts where i may ask a million questions, but i want to learn and I have found the best way to do that is to man up and get your elbows greasy, that being said I have noticed some problems with my bike and i was wondering what everyone's thoughts might be




First thing is with the time change i no longer get off work during the daytime ,. my headlight " Flickers" when the bike is running, this is not a small flicker the light will go from shining fully to being off ,. my current remedy is to run with the high beam on but this can aggravate my fellow motorists and I've noticed then that the high beam goes from Bright to the same level as a standard headlight. Any thoughts?

[natemoen]

Welcome!

Does the headlight do this all the time even while driving at a constant rpm?

My guess is that the previous owner installed a headlight modulator. It is supposed to make you more visible to other drivers. If that is what it is, it sounds like a poor install since they are not supposed to be used at night, but there might be a switch somewhere to turn it off.

[Skuvas]

Welcome!

Does the headlight do this all the time even while driving at a constant rpm?

It does this all the time at high rpm or even at idle it fluctuates sometimes so low i can't tell if its on and other times full power

i'm unaware of any modifications by previous owner unless its hiding under the tank somewhere as i have not removed the tank yet to inspect anything

[Arthur_of_Hex]

I'd peek at the reserve lighting unit.

This magic black box under the fuel tank does 2 things. If a headlight filament fails, it lights an indicator on the dash informing you of the failure. If the low beam filament fails it automatically switches to high beam AND lowers the high beam current to match low beam brightness. If you have corroded contacts and/or a low beam filament that's loose, you could be seeing the equipment operating properly. Perhaps a quick inspection of connectors for corrosion and filaments for serviceability will at least confirm that it's working.

[James England]

You'd be better off running with some sort of silencer, not just an open collector box. These engines need back pressure to function well

[Skuvas]

I'd peek at the reserve lighting unit.

This magic black box under the fuel tank does 2 things. If a headlight filament fails, it lights an indicator on the dash informing you of the failure. If the low beam filament fails it automatically switches to high beam AND lowers the high beam current to match low beam brightness. If you have corroded contacts and/or a low beam filament that's loose, you could be seeing the equipment operating properly. Perhaps a quick inspection of connectors for corrosion and filaments for serviceability will at least confirm that it's working.

so I'll have to pull the tank I'll see if I'm able to get it checked this weekend if I can get the extra time

any pictures that someone may have of it would be appreciated as I am new to most of this

[Skuvas]

You'd be better off running with some sort of silencer, not just an open collector box. These engines need back pressure to function well

Where would one obtain a silencer also is this an exhaust part? If so i would be willing to try and track down a different exhaust system

[James England]

Where would one obtain a silencer also is this an exhaust part? If so i would be willing to try and track down a different exhaust system

you have several available in the USA. They are also listed on eBay... Jardine, Mac make them.

[Prisoner6]

I'd peek at the reserve lighting unit.

This magic black box under the fuel tank does 2 things. If a headlight filament fails, it lights an indicator on the dash informing you of the failure. If the low beam filament fails it automatically switches to high beam AND lowers the high beam current to match low beam brightness. If you have corroded contacts and/or a low beam filament that's loose, you could be seeing the equipment operating properly. Perhaps a quick inspection of connectors for corrosion and filaments for serviceability will at least confirm that it's working.

so I'll have to pull the tank I'll see if I'm able to get it checked this weekend if I can get the extra time

any pictures that someone may have of it would be appreciated as I am new to most of this

Hi, Devin -

I don't have any pics, but the RLU (black box) is located just in front of the finned regulator/rectifier next to the left frame rail, and just behind a frame cross-member.