dies when I turn on the lights....sometimes

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fred1094 · #1 Unread post by **fred1094** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 5:19 am

Here's the deal. My 77 xs650 stutters when I flip on the light switch. It then runs fine until warmed up. Then it wil SOMETIMES shut off, then come right back to life when I turn the lights off. This only manifests itself when i'm off the gas(going down hill, at stop light) the days are getting shorter, and i need my light. I have eliminated hi/lo switch/turn signals/horn(for now)/and all guages and other lights. If it's a ground problem, why is it intermittent?

#2 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:51 am

Did you check your battery?

Might also be that your stator is starting to go.

BuzZz · #3 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:56 pm

Something in your charging system is weak, the extra draw the light creates at low RPM is enough to cause a shortage of electricity for the production of spark for the engine.

So start checking all of the charging system. Battery, alternator, rectifier/stator, any and all wires and connections..... One of those things will be weak or damaged.

insaneman_12 · Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:05 pm

Dont for get to check all your bulbs to make sure they are the right voltage. I had that problem before on a customers bike.

safety-boy · Fri Jan 05, 2007 4:43 am

Haven't tried this on a bike, but is true for cars. Start the engine and disconnect the negative cable on the battery. If the engine dies, it is most likely the alternator. If it keeps running, it is likely the battery.

If you do need a battery, try Batteries+. Their bike batteries are fairly cheap.

--David