Switch that seems to do nothing...

[Gypsyjon]

On my G5 Deluxe, there is a switch, right above the start switch, that looks like it should do something to the head light....it is pictured inthe OM, but not mentioned...am I crazy or does that switch really do nothing???

TIA

Gypsy

[motorat]

there is a jumper in your nacel behind the headlight.
remove the jumper and put the 2 plugs together then the switch operates your headlight.
very useful if your battery is low you can turn off your headlight when you kick it over.

[Arizoni]

When you get into the rats nest inside the headlight nacelle it can be overwhelming.

You will be looking for a short length cable with white connectors on the ends.  I think they are 6 pin connectors but it doesn't matter.  They will be plugged into red connectors.

Unplug the white connectors from the red ones.  Then plug the two red connectors together and your in business.

The reason for this jumper is the US, DOT folks mandated that all motorcycles sold must have their headlights on any time they are running.  The Indian answer was to leave the headlight switch but add the jumper to bypass it.

Some States require the DOT 'headlight on' and some don't so if you disconnect the jumper it's a good idea to ride with the light on but, as motorat said, if the battery is low or if your working on the bike with the engine running, having the headlight off can keep the battery charged.
On a cold morning, it's also nice to leave all of the lights off so the maximum power goes to the stuff that's needed to get the engine running.

[Ducati Scotty]

SinghG5 did a video on this check YouTube.  He removed the headlight from the chrome rim in the video.  It's easier to just remove the entire headlight assembly, just the three screws next to the painted nacelle and it comes right off.

Scott

[Gypsyjon]

Thanks guys...this Bullet reminds me of my first bike..BSA Victor!!! 

[Desi Bike]

Once you get used to the bike, turning on and off the headlight becomes part of your regular routine

[Craig McClure]

I did the 7" headlight exchange, replacing the little sealed beam. I bought an "AZURE 7in Tripod" on Ebay, watched the video & enabled the light to turn off. I'm running an expensive Zenon bulb & hope to preserve it. My headlight reflector has a pilot light, so that goes on with the running lights. All my running lights were replaced with LEDs so I run with them on instead of the big flamethrower. My rings are my own custom job. see photo.

[GlennF]

... and here I was thinking that switch was nitrous boost

[Gypsyjon]

... and here I was thinking that switch was nitrous boost

+1

[no bs]

FROM THE FACTORY IT'S NOT A CONTROL SWITCH, IT'S JUST A MYSTERY WHY THEY WON'T ALLOW THE END USER TO DECIDE WHEN THE HEADLAMP SHALL BE ACTIVATED! FIRST THING I PUT TO RIGHTS.

[Ducati Scotty]

Just had an interesting thought....

So federal laws require new bikes should be manufactured to always have the headlight on, many states require that bikes have the headlight on while riding.  Anyone know if it's illegal to add a switch to turn it off so long as you turn it on while riding?  I enabled my switch and like the option to turn it off for cold weather starts and the like.  I ain't going to change that, just wondering if I'm breaking any laws or not.

Scott

[barenekd]

The law doesn't say you can't have a switch. However you'd better make sure you use the switch when you drive off. There would be a lot of old bikes running illegally if you couldn't have the switch.
However, I have passed a few cops with my lights off and they haven't come after me. I don't really think they even notice it. But they can give you a ticket if they see your lights off, and you can't out talk them! On the other hand, maybe they just thought I had an old bike and weren't going to bother with it.
Bare

[Ducati Scotty]

Old bikes with switches get grandfathered but that doesn't necessarily mean you can add one.  I can't legally remove my catalytic converter if my bike was made after a certain year.

And yeah, I don't think police would know or care.  If you're not shattering ear drums or speed limits you generally don't get noticed.

Scott

[GlennF]

Just had an interesting thought....

So federal laws require new bikes should be manufactured to always have the headlight on, many states require that bikes have the headlight on while riding.  Anyone know if it's illegal to add a switch to turn it off so long as you turn it on while riding?  I enabled my switch and like the option to turn it off for cold weather starts and the like.  I ain't going to change that, just wondering if I'm breaking any laws or not.

Scott

If your only doing it for starting, another option is to fit a headlight delay relay like they often use with HID units and use it to control a normal relay that turns the headlights on after 2 minutes. This sort of thing ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-HID-Headlight-Timer-Delay-Relay-Kit-New-/200726760688?forcev4exp=true&hash=item2ebc3f4cf0&item=200726760688&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_1380wt_1340

[Ducati Scotty]

Thanks for the link!  I remember seeing those but the one I knew about is no longer made.  I may use that if I get another bike without a switch but right now I'll save the money and just use the switch

Scott