79 xs11 standard question

[Grimace]

Will the headlight only come on with the bike running? I was looking at the wiring diagram, and it looks like the headlight relay only will fire if you have voltage coming from the alternator. Is this correct? I am in the process of converting this standard from a vetter fairing to no fairing. I am trying to get the headlight working, but I have no power at the green wire, or yellow wire at the headlight. The fuses are good. The also seems to be no visible damage to the wiring or plugs. I checked all the connections for corrosion, and cleaned them as needed. Thanks for any help,
J

[Ken Talbot]

That is correct - the headlight doesn't come on immediately.

[John]

Grimace

I am having the same problem with my bike. Check the Red wire /yellow tracer for power into the headlight relay, and then check the blue/black for power out of the relay. If you have power on the blue/black, then the relay is good, and the problem is downstream, possibly at the Reserve Lighting Unit. You can bypass the relay by running a jumper wire from the red/yellow to the blue/black wires. If the ciucuit and the RLU are good the light will come on.

[valhallan]

its helpful

if you have a low, weak battery, not having the headlamp on when you go to start makes a big difference sometimes, so its a nice feature. When your haveing bike problems though, it can be a little annoying trying to convince the local no-it-all the battery is fine even though the headlamp isn't on (i was THAT close to strangling the idiot)

[Grimace]

Thanks guys, that confirms what I thought. I will have to wait for the clear on the tank to set before I can finish sand and buff it. Then I can get it started.

[andreashweiss]

I have 4 reserve lighting units in my parts pile. In case it is the problem and you need one. andreashweiss@yahoo.com

[Grimace]

You might have one sold. Thanks for the offer