Starting with Headlight off

[Air4Life]

I can't seem to locate the discussion, but I thought I had seen it here before.  

My ignition switch has two clicks past the "off".  To start it goes to the second click where the headlight is on.  

Is there a way to jump out the back of the switch to make it start without the headlight on, using the first click; then once running, switch to the second position to have the headlight come on?

Alternatively, would it be to cheap of me to wire in a switch to control the headlights operation?

[Bob_Roller]

US bikes have a light relay, when the starter is being used, the headlight turns off, at least that's way they left the factory, impossible to say what's happened to the bike snce it was new .

[Matt Chapter]

Also, as someone else just asked, if you get a left hand control replacement and use the correct Euro version for your model year, it will have a headlight switch.  US models do not have this switch.  Making the switch is easy, but the part may run 100+ USD.

See my other post about this..
http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1316450256/4#4

[Air4Life]

thanks for the replies.  

When I was poking around the underside of the ignition switch I noticed two green wires in the vicinity (forgot the stripe, maybe black striped) came together in a female plug that was attached to nothing.  Any ideas what they are designed for?

[Bob_Roller]

That is for internal lighting for a voltmeter and clock, they were options available to add on, not installed at the factory on the R65 .

[Air4Life]

Thanks Bob.  Though those options sound nice, I wouldn't want to share juice to operate them.

[tvrla]

When you know the battery is low, or when starting a cold bike (more current draw), if you hold down the starter button THEN turn on the ignition with the key, the headlight will be bypassed from the beginning and more juice will flow to the starter and ignition.

[Air4Life]

thanks, I'll give that a try.  I had the battery thrown on a quick load tester and it was still showing a viable battery.  I guess, its all related to my backing off of the use.  When I first got it I was riding every day, but now, not as much.  

[Bob_Roller]

I would highly suggest getting a 'float' charger, if the bike is going to sit for weeks without being ridden .

I've got battery maintainers from Harbor Freight, with their usual 20% off coupons, got them for around $15US each .


http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/battery/15-amp-three-stage-onboard-battery-charger-maintainer-99857.html

They also have this charger, which I'm sure is satisfactory for motorcycle batteries .

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/battery/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

[Air4Life]

I already have a charger.  What I need is a place to plug it in.

[Bob_Roller]

That would be a problem !!!

[montmil]

... What I need is a place to plug it in.

With cooler weather coming your way and fewer riding days, you may want to consider removing the battery to a place where electricity exists and keep it on a Battery Tender.

Can't help but think of that goofy auto insurance TV ad... "What? Do you live under a rock?" How about a solar panel / charger? They gots 'em.

Monte

[Air4Life]

This issues is one of the many reasons why apartment living, ain't really living.  Its great for some, but I'm apparently not one of those somes.  

REMOVE BATT: yep, that's the plan, or I suppose I could get an inexpensive solar unit and splice in longer wire so that it'll reach it inside the trailer.  Any experience using them 24/7?

[Bob_Roller]

Unless you reside in an area where there are few cloudy days, a solar charger probably isn't the way to go .

Especially in a northeastern US winter .

[Air4Life]

Okay Bob, Now you aren't starting to scare me by reminding me how nasty things can get here... grrr  

Last year they must of had a once in a 100 year snow fall.  

Funny, when I was in Arizona I got tired of the sun and prayed for some rain and some clouds; when I'm here I'm tired of the rain and clouds and pray for sun.  M I bng a bch or wht?