Key position for lights

[mikethebike]

I often run with my key in the first position ie. running light on.  As it dropped a little dark one evening recently, I tried to move from running light to headlight whilst on the move.  In the " in between" position, the engine died and then cut back in when I reached the headlight on spot. Is this normal and should I be running on dipped headlight permanently?  I was originally a little worried due to battery drain when my battery was a little weak!

[montmil]

With a mechanical key switch, the momentary loss of ignition and, although you didn't mention it, probably a very brief period of no lights (?) is most likely an issue with an aging switch. It's wearing out. Contact points within the switch could be thinned out due to repetitive usage over multiple years, particularly in the areas where electrical functions change.

Perhaps it's time to begin a leisurely search for a replacement switch? A DVOM may be useful in tracking current runs in the existing unit. Probably too difficult to open the switch for a look... watch for flying springs!  

[Justin B.]

That is assuming the design of the switch is "make before break", I've never given it that much thought so it could possibly be "normal".  But, having the bike run while in the running light position indicates the switch has been rewired - at least on US versions.

[mikethebike]

Thanks for the comments.  I think I'll just run with dipped headlight.  See and be seen eh?

[BigJohn]

I think it has been rewired.  Mine runs in both the center (parking lights) AND full clockwise (headlight) position. What makes me believe it is mis(re)wired is because my key can be removed when in the center spot.  I don't think BMW made the lock to work this way. The key should only come out when the motor is not running, no other time.

[MrRiden]

There are options for the "parking" light. a number of manufactures make 10-20 watt halogen bulbs with the BA9 base. for example a Phillips 12024 is one. Have a look. They are somewhat brighter than the stock configuration.
http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/h10w%7C12v%7C10w%7Cba9s~ece.html
http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/12452~philips.html
rich

[Justin B.]

Big, I think that position was meant for turning to, removing key, and the bike would have some light showing if you had to leave it on the side of the road, or something.  Although it's kind of a neat convenience it also makes it very easy to steal, which I won't post here...

[beemer]

I often run with my key in the first position ie. running light on.  As it dropped a little dark one evening recently, I tried to move from running light to headlight whilst on the move.  In the " in between" position, the engine died and then cut back in when I reached the headlight on spot. Is this normal and should I be running on dipped headlight permanently?  I was originally a little worried due to battery drain when my battery was a little weak!

Mine is the same!position 1 ignition and running lights,2 everything off,3 engine running and all lights useable,maybe it's different for us here in the UK then the switch for USA bikes?anyway,don't worry about it,seems to be the norm.

[mikethebike]

Thanks for the replies.  Now that I have my battery sorted out, I will run on dipped headlights anyway. Mike

[drewboid]

to Big John,
The original wiring for three positions is:
1-everything off and key removable
2-parking lights on and key removable
3-headlights and ignition and key not removable.

Many people (including myself) have rewired the switch so position 2 also operates the ignition as well as the parking lights. I did this because the battery was not charging at slow speeds when the headlight was on. (we were doing a lot of slow speed practicing in parking lots) now I have the Enduralast alternator and there is no longer a charging problem at low speed.
I think the Euro spec required the parking lights only position so the bike could be parked along the road at night with the ignition off. the /2 and /6 also had the ignition off parking light on position.

[mikethebike]

Yup! That's it!  I had a dodgy battery so I ran on that position until it started to get dark.  That's when I switched and got the problem. Now the battery is sorted I shall run on the headlight position. Thanks, Mike.