Headlight Help.

[Krane14]

I have never been much with a wrench...but since I got my '79 XS 11 Special last year, I thought it's time to pick up the tools.

My headlight isn't working. I'm going to look it over this weekend but I thought I would ask you guys were I should start. Bulb...fuse...wiring??? If anyone has suggestions on where I should look first it would be very helpful.

I do have a Clymer manual and you guys are right...it explains where everything is pretty well. But it doesn't tell me what to check first.

Thanks for the help.

Ben

[randy]

Ben,

If your tail light works, then the fuse is OK. I'd say change the bulb.

HTH

Randy

[CMA1]

well brother,
are the speedo / tach lights out, too?
Check the headlight relay and the reseve lighting unit......
Get rid of them....Tips are on the Board.

Good luck, Larry

[Krane14]

Thanks guys...I'm hoping someone would say check the bulb first. Then I checked my manual and I saw the reserve lighting stuff and it freaked me out. Hope it's the bulb.

[Ken Talbot]

These old bikes are also notorious for dirty, corroded electrical connectors. Your problem could be as simple as one bad connector in the plastic block where the headlight plugs onto the wiring harness.

[bgomez]

headlight

Having the same problem with m 79 XS1100. Check the bulb. It is the easy way to begin to eliminate possibilities. If this is not the solution, then use a meter and work your way back until you have power. This is the route I am undertaking. No success yet. Good luck.