Hitchcocks Forum

learned folk,
This isn't the usual problem. I'm aware that the engine needs to be running, but even so, I have no high or low beam.
Rear light ok, little side lights are ok, and the pilot light in the head light is on.
I've checked the wires for H/L beam, there's no voltage present.
The lights were working, I took the headlight off for maintenance, (think I got wires back onto the headlight the rightway around-but maybe not....) and they haven't worked since.

Could you please point me in the right direction?

Remember it's AC so you need your voltmeter set to AC and the engine running to test.

There is a guide to testing the charging system on this website. Rather than me type it all out again, go to the third paragraph on page 2 of this guide:
https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycl ... 5&_xt=.pdf

Make sure the bulb holder for the high beam indicator isn't shorting against the metal inside the clock.

Thank you for your prompt reply.
The main beam indicator bulb holder can cause this issue? that's interesting, I haven't checked that out. The main headlight bulb sits into the reflector and is held in place by a clip.
The wires are connected to the bulb by female "spade" connectors only, no fancy plastic block, just three wires. This is what makes me think there is a distinct possibility that I have put the wires onto the bulb the wrong way around, and hence "buggered" something up .....
My multi meter is self sorting, it auto changes for ac to dc on it's own.

Looking at the bulb from the rear with one tang horizontally across the top and the other two vertical, the one on the left is the "common" which should have the orange wire. The one across the top is the Low beam and should have the green wire. The one on the right is high beam and should have the blue wire.

Because it's AC, if the outside of the tell-tale bulb holder makes contact with an earthed componant, it will cause a short. When used with DC, this isn't an issue because the outside is ther earth part of the holder anyway. A similar thing can happen on bikes with single flasher repeater bulbs, the current goes in a different direction depending on which direction you are indicating. Jawas were known for it, they'd blow the fuse when you put on the right hand indicator.

That's really useful to know! thank you!
Just as soon as I can, I'll check that out.

Mr Stinkwheel,

I had a few moments to check out your advice today.
I was having no luck until I pulled the high-beam indicator assembly from the speedo. The lights came on.
The bulb has been removed and the bulb holder taped up. I really couldn't see any reason why it should be shorting out, so I'll do without for the time being, and perhaps investigate further later on...
My thanks to you for your knowledge so quickly given.

Graham.