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headlight dims when directionals flash

  • Thread starter Thread starter bubbarandi
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bubbarandi

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1980 450l The headlight dims when the directionals flash .Is this normal or a sign of charging problems.It does it even when the rpm is over 2000.The battery seems to hold a charge .
 
It ok as long as your charging system is good.It should only dim slightly.I just replaced my whole charging system and mine does that also.If you put it in neutral and turn your signal on your nuetral light will do the same thing.It's normal.Put a meter on the battery after you start it and make sure your getting between 13.8 to 14.5 volts at 2 or 3 grand.If so your charging system is good.
 
bubbarandi said:
1980 450l The headlight dims when the directionals flash .Is this normal or a sign of charging problems.It does it even when the rpm is over 2000.The battery seems to hold a charge .
Click to expand...

Don't know about the 2000 rpm as I only notice it when behind a car idling at a light when turning...I consider that a normal occurance within reason. If the headlight is bright white it isn't particularly noticeable...when my stator was going bad the light got dimmer and dimmer daily until the unit died completely a couple weeks later.

I also just use a plain old auto headlight and that may have a higher load than the original bike light?? It is still working after 2 years constant use.

Also I notice a higher voltage just after starting until the battery recovers then it stabilizes at about 13.3V from the original 14.
 
twistedwankel said:
Don't know about the 2000 rpm as I only notice it when behind a car idling at a light when turning...I consider that a normal occurance within reason. If the headlight is bright white it isn't particularly noticeable...when my stator was going bad the light got dimmer and dimmer daily until the unit died completely a couple weeks later.

I also just use a plain old auto headlight and that may have a higher load than the original bike light?? It is still working after 2 years constant use.

Also I notice a higher voltage just after starting until the battery recovers then it stabilizes at about 13.3V from the original 14.
Click to expand...
I just replace everthing in the elctrical circuit and get no lower than 13.8 all the time and 14.3 after start up.You might want to check your grounds on the battery and the r/r
 
This to me seems normal at some level, my bike has a new charging system in it and even when I am at 2000 rpm (at least I am pretty sure) the lights will dim, I usually notice it on my "console" the high beam light and the gear indicator light will dim with as the directionals flash by a small amount.

Follow the stator papers to make sure that you stator is working, and if it is, unless this is causing visibility problems, I wouldn't really worry about it, maybe just make sure your ground connectors and other electrical connectors are clean.
 
bad grounds. clean all your connections up and it will go away. its the main problem on the old bikes. the system will get old and crode and then start doing all kinds of strange stuff.

add a new ground to the bike frame from the motor and a second one from the battery to the motor. you can never have enuff grounds.
 
kurifu said:
This to me seems normal at some level, my bike has a new charging system in it and even when I am at 2000 rpm (at least I am pretty sure) the lights will dim, I usually notice it on my "console" the high beam light and the gear indicator light will dim with as the directionals flash by a small amount.

Follow the stator papers to make sure that you stator is working, and if it is, unless this is causing visibility problems, I wouldn't really worry about it, maybe just make sure your ground connectors and other electrical connectors are clean.
Click to expand...
You will see a slight difference but it shouldnt go off as if your lights are blinking too. It will be a very slight dimming.
 
gremlin said:
bad grounds. clean all your connections up and it will go away. its the main problem on the old bikes. the system will get old and crode and then start doing all kinds of strange stuff.

add a new ground to the bike frame from the motor and a second one from the battery to the motor. you can never have enuff grounds.
Click to expand...

I couldn't get better connections/grounds unless I soldered them and I refuse to do that. The slight dimming of all lites when the headlight is on makes me think there was a lower resistance/fewer watts in original factory bike headlights than in a new AutoZone automotive headlight. My voltmeter drops about .8 volt when I turn the headlight on and another .5 volt when I turn the high beam on but NO voltage change with the turn signal blinking. Voltage is pressure and amps are current but I don't have an ammeter on my bike - I have an approximate voltmeter/cheap. I'm not concerned with my second used stator functioning at 13.3Volts at idle/1100rpm and the headlight and brake lights on and flickering with a turnsignal.

I don't sweat the little stuff only when I can't stop or turn when I see the face of God at speed do I get motivated to make a change.
 
I have all new connections and just replace my stator r/r and battery last week.Im pushing over 14 volts and my charging system is perfect. all grounds are clean and I still have just a slight headlight dimming when my turn signal is on with a halogen headlight.I think all older bikes will do this.I also dont think they were made to run all the extra stuff people put on there newer bikes these days.If your system is putting out good voltage I wouldn't worry about a thing.
 
Last edited:
tconroy said:
I think all older bikes will do this.
Click to expand...
I would not limit that statement to just older bikes. :shock:
I ride a 2000 GoldWing that has the after-market 90-amp automotive alternator. \\:D/
I can still see the other lights flicker just a bit when the signals are on. 8-[

Let's face it, with two 1156 bulbs turning on (and off), they are drawing the same current as another headlight bulb.
This amounts to about a 40-50% surge in the electrical draw.
This will make just about any system choke, or at least hiccup just a little.


.
 
Steve said:
I would not limit that statement to just older bikes. :shock:
I ride a 2000 GoldWing that has the after-market 90-amp automotive alternator. \\:D/
I can still see the other lights flicker just a bit when the signals are on. 8-[

Let's face it, with two 1156 bulbs turning on (and off), they are drawing the same current as another headlight bulb.
This amounts to about a 40-50% surge in the electrical draw.
This will make just about any system choke, or at least hiccup just a little.


.
Click to expand...

I have a fairing with 2 running lights plus a halogen headlight so when my turn signal is on I have all those plus gauge lights which my bike has all bulbs not to mention the back light and brake light if your at a 4 way and turning.Im light up like a christmas tree!
 
headlight dims when directionals flash

Thanks for all the responses. The charging system checks out fine so i am just going to keep an eye on it and clean all my grounds again.
 
Check the orange wires on the fuse block Compare voltage to the battery voltage should be same. If not check the ign switch & wireing
 
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