Headlamp ON/Off Switch Explanation needed

[Mjpcarbon]

I feel silly asking but you fellas will chime in and set me straight. On the R/S handle assembly there is a switch that says Headlamp ON-OFF My headlamp stays on regardless of switch position....
What does it do , or is it busted ?

[DiverRay]

The switch only worked on the '78 XS1100. All newer models did not have an on-off switch. If your bike is NOT a '78, someone changed the handlebar switch assembly.

[DEEBS11]

Yes, I did that and wired it correctly to shut off headlights and tail lights in the event of a charging failure.

[DEEBS11]

Also need to mention that the headlight relay needs to be eliminated in order to go manual. Just unplug it and toss it. It just latches the headlight on when the bike is running. Might have to modify the circuit a little.

[Mjpcarbon]

I would like to have the switch work,

[DiverRay]

What year and model is your bike? If it is not a '78, you will need to make a few changes to the wire harness, such as re-route wires and bypass the device shown above.