Disconnect Headlight ONLY

pronator · July 13, 2009, 01:00:10 PM

Hey all,

Is there a way to disconnect power to JUST the headlight? When I pull the connection for the headlight, the bike doesn't start either.

I'm looking for something easier than pulling out the bulb.

Thanks!

bassmechanicsz · July 13, 2009, 01:08:55 PM

i am assuming you have a naked version cause i start mine without the headlight plugged in all the time on my 04. If my bike sits for a few weeks the battery is weak and unplugging the headlight allows me to have enough juice to start it. then i just plug the headlight back in before taking off. For what purpose are you trying to disconnect the headlight and start the bike?

The Buddha · July 13, 2009, 01:18:07 PM

I ride it without it all the time. Just yank the 3 pin connector @ the bulb.
The headlight is part of the wiring harness in this bike, cannot be removed any other way. On a savage it isn't, and it creates problems sometimes, it has a dinky plug on the thing ... PITA, but swapping or pulling it is easier.
Cool.
Buddha.

JB848 · July 13, 2009, 01:32:34 PM

He obviously wants to ride nakid in the dark bassmechanicsz

pronator · July 13, 2009, 02:03:38 PM

Yup, I should've mentioned that I have a '99 so it is indeed nekkid.

I'm looking for an easy way to "turn off" the headlight for the track, not the road. I was hoping there'd be a way to do this easily - like the brake and blinkers - without going into the headlight housing.

Thanks!

the mole · July 13, 2009, 02:27:53 PM

Have thought about doing this, easiest way would be to put a toggle switch in the top/side of the headlight shell and wire it into the headlight earth wire.

tt_four · July 13, 2009, 02:57:21 PM

That lock thing has already blown over by now. It was big news a while ago, but Kryptonite was super cool about it and offered to replace any of their locks, just send it back and they'll send you a brand new one. The only reason that lock might be able to be removed is because the bikes been there so long, it might be one of the old locks. Those cables are a joke, any cable like that, not in the bike thief sort of way. Just get some sheet metal cutters and snip away at it a little at a time.

Any lock is a good visual deterrant, but not much more than that. I have a pretty bitter story about a $90 lock I used to have, but I won't bore you with the details. Needless to say, all someone needed was 10 seconds and an angle grinder, and it wasn't even on my bike.

the mole · July 13, 2009, 03:17:44 PM

?

pronator · July 13, 2009, 03:26:32 PM

I think tt had a few too many and stumbled in here by mistake.

average · July 13, 2009, 04:06:41 PM

An easier way would probably be to trace your harness from your hi/low horn switch and you will see a single yellow/green wire. That alone(well,maybe not alone) powers your headlight and could probably put your toggle switch. Just a thought.....

pronator · July 13, 2009, 04:11:41 PM

Quote from: average on July 13, 2009, 04:06:41 PM
An easier way would probably be to trace your harness from your hi/low horn switch and you will see a single yellow/green wire. That alone(well,maybe not alone) powers your headlight and could probably put your toggle switch. Just a thought.....

That was closer to what I was thinking. Thanks!

I'll keep folks updated if/when I make a move.

the mole · July 13, 2009, 06:14:05 PM

You need to find the positive wire (yellow/white) to the hi/low beam switch and put the toggle in there, OR just put the toggle in the earth (black) wire that goes to the headlight plug. That will save you having to find the other wire, and you won't have to extend the wires to reach the switch.

Another option worth considering is to put the toggle switch in the low beam wire (white) that goes to the headlight plug. That means if the toggle is 'on' you get normal headlight function, if it is 'off' you will not get low beam, but if you want to flash someone you can still use high beam.

Dr.Sparkie · July 13, 2009, 08:42:03 PM

While the original author intended only to disable his headlight on the track, I must point out that (at least here in ontario) that motorcycles SHALL ALWAYS have their complete lighting system on while the bike is operated on public roads.

and DRL's probbly do help keep you from being killed while making a left (or right like the japanese or british or aussies)

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm#s62s2

ohgood · July 13, 2009, 09:11:01 PM

take you bucket off, and zip tie the wires to hte forks.

when you crash (and youwill) you won't have to replace thebucket for street riding

JB848 · July 14, 2009, 10:09:50 AM

OhGood has a point but in the mean time I would just make a leather like cover like for KC fog lites and just cover it!

I guess that would be too easy?

pronator · July 14, 2009, 11:08:57 AM

@ average & the mole: Thanks for the possibilities!

@ Dr.Sparkie: My question was prompted by the thought of doing another class on the track. I was hoping for an easy way to kill the headlight. But when I'm on the street, I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have my lights on. Wouldn't think of riding any other way, law or not.

@ohgood: Ouch!

Taking classes on the track is an attempt to make sure I don't crash on the street. I think it's the safest place to practice the things like leaning into turns. The freeway on and off ramps near my house would be perfect but not safe.

@JB848: Thanks for the idea of a fog light cover. I'll take a look and see if they come in singles and in the right size.

I'm not in a rush. I don't have a class scheduled; I was thinking about it and remembered that was one of my glitches. Truthfully, it's probably easier for me to locate the dedicated wire and solder in a quick connect or toggle.

Roadstergal · July 14, 2009, 11:23:53 AM

You might think about where you're going to be riding and make sure that's even necessary. For Keigwin's, e.g., you don't have to:
http://www.keigwin.com/aboutevents_requirements.php

QuoteThe following preparation is optional:
Taping or removing headlights and/or turn signals

Taping it up is still a good idea. We just pull the fuse for the headlights on the SVs before we slap on painter's tape, but ja, not an option with GS500s.

pronator · July 14, 2009, 12:01:07 PM

Quote from: Roadstergal on July 14, 2009, 11:23:53 AM
You might think about where you're going to be riding and make sure that's even necessary. For Keigwin's, e.g., you don't have to:
http://www.keigwin.com/aboutevents_requirements.php

Taping it up is still a good idea. We just pull the fuse for the headlights on the SVs before we slap on painter's tape, but ja, not an option with GS500s.

Thanks for the input RG!

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Disconnect Headlight ONLY