I noticed the last couple of weeks that sometimes when I turn the ignition on, but before I start the bike, the headlight will not come on. After the bike starts and revs up a little the headlight will come back on. Is there some kind circuit that will cut off the headlight if it detects low voltage on the battery? I am really hoping its not some electrical gremlin. My bike is a '97. I have had the bike for 2 years and never even looked at the battery, so it's quite possible it's on its way out...
I had a similar problem with the tail light circuit on my 1st gen. Sometimes, (not all the time), it would not light until the bike warmed up, or I rev'd the engine, or I rode a ways down the street. After thiniking about it, I checked the fuses which I discovered had some corrosion in the sockets. Cleaned 'em and took care of that problem. I also cleaned the tail light bulb and socket. The problem recently flared up for a couple of days during the most recent rains, but has now disappeared. I figure I should go through and hit all of the wire connectors with contact cleaner.
Hope your's is as simple as that
Just getting additional information. Is it high and low?
I know this is probably the obvious but it is not just the action that the light goes out when you press the starter, but then comes back on as soon as you release the starter?
Bob
QuoteI know this is probably the obvious but it is not just the action that the light goes out when you press the starter, but then comes back on as soon as you release the starter?
No, before I hit the starter, the headlight will be off as well the headlight high beam indicator light. I normally ride during the day, so my high beam is pretty much always on. Yeah, I noticed that normally the headlight will cuts out when you are starting the bike, I figure that is expected. I notice that when I see the issue, when I start the bike it does seem to drag a little. It's like the starter is having a hard time getting enough juice as well, thus my voltage "theory", lol.
QuoteJust getting additional information. Is it high and low?
Toggling the high\low switch didn't do anything for me. By default, it's usually set to high.
Daniel maybe time for a new battery, if it is "dragging" then I would suspect a weak cell or such.