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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Headlight Cut Off Switch
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Message started by RidgeRunner13 on 11/03/11 at 13:39:53

Title: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by RidgeRunner13 on 11/03/11 at 13:39:53

I thought some of you who have gone to a smaller battery might like this, although it would be nice for any bike. :)

I got tired of watching my headlight drain my battery when attempting to start so I drilled a hole in the headlight housing & installed a toggle switch with a rubber cover. I then cut the black/white stripe ground wire & extended the wires to reach the switch. Now in the morning for that first cold start I reach up & flip it off & have that much more power for the ignition & starter. Just be sure to turn it back on since headlights on is the law. 8-)

I first used this trick on my RD-350 because I would run for it if I was near the city limits & a cop got after me. Also had a switch for the taillight for the same reason. Didn't need it for the starter since I WAS the starter. ;D

I wasn't always the angel I am now. ::) :o

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by jef.savage on 11/03/11 at 16:00:22

That was one of the last mods I did before I sold my Savage. I used a lighted switch so I saw a bright red light when the headlight was turned off.

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by spacepirates on 11/04/11 at 10:27:07

My 1978 XS750 has this built in. It needs everything it can get out of the battery to start the sucker, so it won't turn on the headlight until the bike is running, but it does it all auto-magically.

If wiring wasn't a pain in the neck, you could have the switch kill power to all external lights (signals, running lights, headlight tail light) leaving the neutral and speedo lights enabled.

How did you weather proof the switch? I'd be worried about water getting in unless I sealed the crap out of it.

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by RidgeRunner13 on 11/04/11 at 12:50:58

They make rubber boots that replace the retaining nut & seal around the toggle. Available at Ace hardware or any boating supply store. 8-)

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by verslagen1 on 11/04/11 at 13:02:52

I've been looking at getting a time delay relay specifically for the HID headlight.

There's one for 10 sec. but that's not enough time to even get it in neutral.
and there's one that's adjustable up to 30 sec.

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by thumperclone on 11/04/11 at 15:35:02

293A2D2C333E383A316E5F0 wrote:

time delay relays come in many timed on and or timed off, even adjustable styles..
ckeck with grainger..
size may be an issue..

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by verslagen1 on 11/04/11 at 17:07:59

found this already...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140383778346?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by thumperclone on 11/04/11 at 19:14:06

can understand your set up with an hid head lamp..
my 06 has a hl cut off at start, as the de comp kicks in
so what is the advantage to a seperate toggle unless the older models have no cut out ckt???

ps
what is the full intenisty time lag on your hid??

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by Routy on 11/05/11 at 06:35:30

4D514C54495C4B5A5556575C390 wrote:

Yep, the older bikes don't have the headlite cutout when starting.

Title: Re: Headlight Cut Off Switch
Post by verslagen1 on 11/05/11 at 09:52:19

6F736E766B7E69787774757E1B0 wrote:

can understand your set up with an hid head lamp..
ps
what is the full intenisty time lag on your hid??

A lot of times I forget it and well be going down the superslab w/o the hid on (when you start up, the low voltage kills it). I'll be behind a car checking the reflection for a sunspot 8-) It flashes then is dim and will come up to full brightness w/in a few seconds, I'd say 5 to 10.