Hitchcocks Forum

I'm hoping someone may have an idea. I've had this fior a few days now and not finding the fault.

2001 500 Classic Bullet

With side lights on and revs up, after a short while the ammeter starts flicking into almost full negative (like using the flasher). The lights appear to dim a bit. Turn sidelights off problem vanishes. Symptoms also seen with headlights.

First thought, faulty light switch/wire. However, I'm unable to replicate this snag without engine running or at lowish revs. Shaking wires gets no adverse response.

Second thought - battery - topped up- checked voltage and charging. Looks ok and when the ammeter is flicking the voltage seems to move in sympathy with it (slightly).

Third thought - Rectifier/regulator - However, it doesn't really explain the high negatives on the ammeter (does it?).

I've ordered a switch, a rectifier/regulator and will see if these solve it by changing one at a time (switch first).

Any thoughts??

I had a similar problem and it was the alternator. You could try disconnecting the alternator and see if you still get the ammeter swinging when the bike is running just off the battery instead of just a steady discharge.

Chris, I'm thinking along the lines of a bad earth somewhere

What`s the battery voltage readings,before switching on,after switching on,flashers working with engine stopped also at 3,000rpm.????

OK more info - last night I rode home and no problems. Then on trying to go out again the side lights went into permanenet overload and dimmed. Switching them off clears the fault and charging is normal. This morning I expected to swap to my 1942 WDCO and it worked fine so took the Bullet to work on lights.

The fact that it is normal charging with lights off must mean that charging is ok. I have a new light switch and failing a discovery of a bare wire elsewhere will swap them and see if it clears.

I have fitted the new switch and so far so good.

Hi Chris, just make sure the side lights haven't rubbed a wire through on the rear of the bulb holder. This was a problem on some of the later ones

Norm, Thanks for that. I'll see how it goes and have a look at those. I'll let you know if the switch hasn't worked too.

I fitted a new switch and for about a week all has been well until today. I have no finally found the problem. I'd tried wiggling wires before, but nothing happened, it appeared only rev related!

It's the lead going through the mudguard to the rear light and appears to be where it goes through. So I hope to sort that soon.

Looks like your talking to yourself Chris.