Both main beam lights NOT working?? (125XL)

[monkeyboy44]

Hi All,

Bit of a strange one this, hoping the experts on here can help!

I have been commuting through the winter and everything has been great, since the clocks have changed (i doubt thats whats caused the problem)... the other day when I went to go home someone shouted over "your main lights aint working!!"

Damn i thought..... got off looked at the front of the bike and he was right, the two tiny side lights are working but the two main beam bulbs were dead.

I have done the following...

1 - Taken the two main bulbs out, they were NOT broken, but I put new ones in anyway. Made no difference

2 - Checked the main beam/light fuse and it is fine, checked all other fuses and they are fine?

3 - All other lights/functions on the bike are working perfectly.

Any ideas?

[StumpyFingers]

Originally Posted by monkeyboy44

Hi All,

Bit of a strange one this, hoping the experts on here can help!

I have been commuting through the winter and everything has been great, since the clocks have changed (i doubt thats whats caused the problem)... the other day when I went to go home someone shouted over "your main lights aint working!!"

Damn i thought..... got off looked at the front of the bike and he was right, the two tiny side lights are working but the two main beam bulbs were dead.

I have done the following...

1 - Taken the two main bulbs out, they were NOT broken, but I put new ones in anyway. Made no difference

2 - Checked the main beam/light fuse and it is fine, checked all other fuses and they are fine?

3 - All other lights/functions on the bike are working perfectly.

Any ideas?

If the bike has the lights on with ignition, then it is the same as my TA.
Remove the front screw from the righthand switch gear, loosen the rear screw, spray with WD40 or similar. reasemble.
The lights are on the same button as the starter, when it is not being pushed to start the bike it powers the light circuit, when you push it it switches the lights off and transfers the power to the starter.
The switch sticks in very slightly which stops it turning the lights on.
Took me 2 months to find the fault on my bike.

[monkeyboy44]

Hi Mate,

Many thanks for the reply.... yes when i turn the key to 'on' all the front/rear lights come on, when i hit the start button the main lights dim a bit then all is good.

Sorry to be a pain but could you describe your answer in a bit more laymans terms.... (im learning!)

Where exactly is the 'righthand switch gear'?

Do you mean the 'starter button housing??

I know, i know we all have to start somewhere

[africajim]

Depends how new your bike is, my VA9 Vara doesn't have a light switch, they've given me hazard lights instead! Any how, the lights should be on the left switchgear (the one on your left hand side with the dipswitch in it).
My guess, if you've tested the fuse and bulbs would be the relays, there should be relays for the headlights as the switch would burn out if you put that amount of current through it. The switch trips relays for the lights, it could be the winter weather has got into the relay connections and re-seating them might work? If no, you may have to test them and replace if neccessary.
The relays are usually hidden in the front fairing somewhere, you could put on the ignition, turn on the lights (if there's a switch) then trip between dip and beam and you should hear the relay clicking.
Let us know how you get on mate.

[monkeyboy44]

cheers all,

my vara is a 2005, i'll check out a few more things as suggsted.

will post back

[StumpyFingers]

The lights work using the starter switch. When it is free( I.E not being pushed ) it goes BATT - HL when you push it to start the bike it goes BATT - Start

It is the same on the new DV700's The dimming is the main switching off and sidelights remaining on.

[monkeyboy44]

stumpyfingers you were spot on mate!

got a mate 'who knows about bikes' to take the switch apart, sure enough you twiddle the switch/wires and the main lights came on! but its very intermittent.

Pu tit all back together, wouldn't start, took it apart it started again.

think its a new switch time...

trouble is where the hell do i find one???

any ideas?

cheers for the help

[monkeyboy44]

me again, just found this switch on ebay which 'looks' the same as mine, however it is off a 2001 vara... would it fit a 2005?


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HONDA-XL125-VARADERO-RH-HANDLEBAR-STARTER-KILL-SWITCH_W0QQitemZ250409059973QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ Motorcycle_Parts?hash=item250409059973&_trksid=p32 86.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A 1|240%3A1318

cheers

[monkeyboy44]

Hi All,

Another update,

just called a local Honda dealer a new starter/kill switch is £42.00, they said the switch on ebay for a 2001 model is the same part number as my 2005 so should fit ok.

I think for piece of mind I will go and buy the new one, i can't afford to mess about as I commute to work.

Cheers for all you help again, spot on as always!

[StumpyFingers]

Originally Posted by monkeyboy44

Hi All,

Another update,

just called a local Honda dealer a new starter/kill switch is £42.00, they said the switch on ebay for a 2001 model is the same part number as my 2005 so should fit ok.

I think for piece of mind I will go and buy the new one, i can't afford to mess about as I commute to work.

Cheers for all you help again, spot on as always!

I agree.
The Switch is the main thing that is needed, best to spend extra on a brand new item than take your chance with a secondhand one.