Basic Electrics XL600R

[shack]

Hi Guys,
no side lights but wondering the best way to be checking them out (as in do I need the engine running as the battery is a real wiener and Main lights need the engine running) so unless both bulbs shot and simple replacement the option, what is the best way to approach this (used to having the ign on and being able to turn the lights on!)
All help and suggestions appreciated.

[M6NTL]

If it's like my XL500R, it'll have a leeeeetle battery, with a 15 Amp fuse in an in-line holder.
Check the fuse is OK.
If it is, connect a bigger battery with some leads (like your car battery for example, or a 12V power supply) and try again.
You can easily check for the side/tail light voltage where it should be then...

[Pigford]

Hey M6NTL lad - the fuse should be 10 amp on the 500R

The side lights & horn & indicators & brake light should all work with ignition on but engine not running. Head light needs motors running - coz as you rightly say, it powered direct from the "lighting coil"

[shack]

Thanks you two, this is the kinda stuff I was after.

The front set up looks great, but isn't standard and with electrics still something of an unknown art, it may take some time for me to get my head around, and the wires are something of a rainbow changing colour at random points and connections, so Haynes wiring diagrams aren't much help.

Lots of head scratching, but if/when it does fall into place (or light up) I'msure I'll feel a warm glow (12v worth I'm sure)

I may post on this issue again, so be patient

[Pigford]

Main thing is to check the size of the wire - so it can handle the extra current without getting too hot !!!

As a side note, my little battery has run dry after my trip to Le Mans & back

SO, I checked the voltage with the bike running and its around 17 - 18 volts..... Thats a New regulator on its way then

Actually I got a spare one kicking about....

Heres a really useful link for checking charging systems:

http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/pdfs/...P-PMG-&-RR.pdf

....bit te3chnical though

[shack]

Thanks again, I'll print that out for some night time reading

[416cc]

The battery does act as a ballast, so if the battery has run dry, when you replace it as you undoubtedly will have to, the voltage will usually stabilise.

[Pigford]

Cheers 416cc - I have topped up me battery, its OK and fitted the spare regulator.....

Its reading 15.5v now - so halfway there - from 17.5 -15.5 next 13.5v

I thought the lights were quite good on me night trip back from Poole the other week

[shack]

An hour with the wiring diagram, a rescued bulb (long story) and some repostiond ties and connectors and I have sidelights working as they should.
Cheers for the advice. (this is the 'before' picture)