Starting Bike in "Park" position.....possible?

[R65Singh]

Hello All...finally the the weather is turning out nice and was preparing my bike for the riding season.
I was wondering if it is possible to start the bike with the key in the park position without having the main head lamp running at all the times as it drains the battery in stop and go traffic.  I remember reading about it somewhere on here but could not find the post.  If anyone knows, which wires to jump or any suggestion how to achieve it, please feel free to chip in.  Thanks fellow riders.

[montmil]

Easiest way to delete the always-on headlight would be to wire into the headlight loom an appropriate rated on-off switch.

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

If the wiring has not been altered, the headlight should stop working when the starter button is depressed .

About the only way to turn off the headlight, while in 'city traffic', is to install a switch in the headlight wire, there are still OEM rocker style switches available from BMW, that will fit in the rectangular holes in the instrument housing .

There are also 'European' style handlebar headlight switch assemblies available, that have a headlight 'OFF' position, cost is around $155US .

http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1611

[R65Singh]

Thanks Guys, I think adding and on/off switch is the easiest way but I remember reading on some post that the bike can be started when in park position and there was only a wire to jump.  I will keep my search on and keep you guys posted...otherwise putting a switch in there is always an option. Take care!!

[RecycledRS]

I don't have an R65 wiring diagram, but most other models work if you either switch the green and gray wires or place a jumper between the two (green and gray) at the back of the ignition switch.
 Bill.  [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

[steven m]

My 83 R65 has an ignition switch that when turned one click clockwise allows the bike to start and run all day, and when turned further clockwise turns the lights on.  I start the bike with the lights off and turn them on when I am underway.  Stock looking switch and the key operates the fork lock so it all matches, I think.  

Does everyone else have the lights on all the time switch?

Steve

[Justin B.]

Yes, switch the wires on the ignition switch as already mentioned...  Be advised, however, that you can turn the ignition to the "park" position with a "blank" key so this will reduce your security somewhat...

[steven m]

I think I'm missing something here since I already have the ability to turn the headlight on and off at will, with the bike running.  What is the advantage to switching it to lights on all the time?

Steve

[montmil]

No actual advantage, per se, other than added rider safety. Something to do with those picky US DOT regs, I'm thinking.

Monte

[R65Singh]

I think I'm missing something here since I already have the ability to turn the headlight on and off at will, with the bike running.  What is the advantage to switching it to lights on all the time?

Steve

Steve...it is mandatory to have your headlight ON all the time.  That is the law here in Canada and possibly in some other countries as well.  It is for more visibility on the  road for other drivers.
  
 I have added a switch for now and will jump the wires next time I get a chance.   It is a pain to take all that fairing and other stuff out of the way to get to the ignition switch on a LS model.

I used an AC switch out of an old kitchen fan hood and is rated at 15 Amps.  It is all black and was a good fit.   Once again thank to you all...this forum rocks.

[steven m]

I always ride with my lights on, but I do like being able to start the bike with them off.  Keeps the headlight from heating up as I put my gloves on and is less of a drain on the battery.    

But I guess the DOT knows best. Ha Ha Ha.

Steve

[Motu]

My mono has a light switch...off,park,headlight.I like to be able to start with the lights off,and will turn them on when I get out of town and on the open road....2km.My last 2 bikes were hard wired on,but the DT230 lights didn't come on until the engine was running,although they were wired to the battery....a much better idea when a battery is marginal.

[drewboid]

I did this so when riding at parking lot speeds (like when taking a rider's course or practicing in a parking lot) so the battery would not discharge. Jumper the gray and green wires together. Green is ignition and it will then be live when in the park position.

[Lucky_Lou]

As i recall the difference between the European and Canadian/US wiring spec (depending on the year)is the headlight wiring as the headlight doesn't cut out when starting and the engine will run in the 3rd key position(3 of 5) with out lights in Europe, there's also an extra relay for a turn signal buzzer on the US spec.
Lou

[ambrose78]

did you sort this one out?

When I got mine some previous owner had done a dodgy soldering job between the yellow and a white wires inside the headlight housing behind some dubious electrical tape.

When chasing erroneous electrical bugs a while back I came across this mess and promptly un-soldered them with some fresh heat shrinking. It didn't solve the initial problem but at least now I can start and run the bike on the parking lamps and rotate the key to the head lamp position when desired.