Post by pamcopete on Nov 10, 2006 21:50:02 GMT -5
(Scroll down for the post by mrriggs for the Aux power bit)
xs650temp.proboards29.com/index.cgi?board=light&action=display&thread=1163213402&page=1#1172991970
Who out there has not had to change those pesky little instrument bulbs in the Speedo and Tach? A real pain.
It happened to me shortly after I got my '78, about ten years ago. After changing the bulbs, I wondered "Do these lights have to be on all the time?" Well, it turns out, they don't.
The light switch on the right side switch box actually has a separate set of contacts for the instrument lights, but, for whatever strange reason, Yamaha wires them together so that the instrument lights go on when the infamous "safety relay" turns on the headlight.
Here's what to do. There is a Blue/Black wire from the light switch that connects to a four way wire junction that, in turn, feeds the instrument lights. There is also a Blue wire from the light switch that connects to the same junction. The blue wire is the instrument light contacts from the switch. The Blue/Black wire also goes to the "reserve Lighting Unit" to turn on the headlight. You don't need the Blue/Black wire connected to the instrument lights. Cut the Blue/Black wire where it connects to the four way junction. All of this is located in the headlight bowl.
I did this mod the first year I had the bike and I haven't had to replace a bulb since, because, like most of us, I don't do very much night riding.
At night, you turn on the light switch which turns on the instrument lights. Not only does this extend the life of the instrument lights, it also means that at night the headlight will not go out if the engine or alternator fails because the light switch is already on
Note: This is all in reference to a stock 1978 E model. Check your wiring diagram for your model if it is not a '78.
xs650temp.proboards29.com/index.cgi?board=light&action=display&thread=1163213402&page=1#1172991970
Who out there has not had to change those pesky little instrument bulbs in the Speedo and Tach? A real pain.
It happened to me shortly after I got my '78, about ten years ago. After changing the bulbs, I wondered "Do these lights have to be on all the time?" Well, it turns out, they don't.
The light switch on the right side switch box actually has a separate set of contacts for the instrument lights, but, for whatever strange reason, Yamaha wires them together so that the instrument lights go on when the infamous "safety relay" turns on the headlight.
Here's what to do. There is a Blue/Black wire from the light switch that connects to a four way wire junction that, in turn, feeds the instrument lights. There is also a Blue wire from the light switch that connects to the same junction. The blue wire is the instrument light contacts from the switch. The Blue/Black wire also goes to the "reserve Lighting Unit" to turn on the headlight. You don't need the Blue/Black wire connected to the instrument lights. Cut the Blue/Black wire where it connects to the four way junction. All of this is located in the headlight bowl.
I did this mod the first year I had the bike and I haven't had to replace a bulb since, because, like most of us, I don't do very much night riding.
At night, you turn on the light switch which turns on the instrument lights. Not only does this extend the life of the instrument lights, it also means that at night the headlight will not go out if the engine or alternator fails because the light switch is already on
Note: This is all in reference to a stock 1978 E model. Check your wiring diagram for your model if it is not a '78.
