Hitchcocks Forum

Hi All
I've noticed the lights on my 2006 350 flicker including the headlamp and rear light. I'm not sure if they've always done it and I've not really noticed, or if it's a recent development. The flickering increases with the revs. Any ideas?

connectors? bad earth?

I believe it's because the stator is inefficient and cannot generate enough power to keep the head light on full at low revs, you will notice that tickover picks up if you turn the lights off, nothing to worry about, just another "characteristic" of these wonderful machines. Having said that the old dear who pulled out on me today clearly thought I was flashing her out of the side turning.

OR, your battery is virtually buggered so that at low revs, the battery will drain, leaving the alternator supplying the lights, thus giving a flicker.



to asses, stop engine, turn lights on, see if they start to dim within a short time (15-20 seconds), If so then it's close to new battery time. (don't let them dim too much, or you will have problems starting the engine afterwards). Restart and run at a fast idle for half a minute or so, OR, ride for a short distance, to add a little charge to the battery before leaving the bike.

Thanks guys. I'll check the earth connection, though have a feeling it's the battery as it needs charging if I leave it more than a few weeks. It's only a year old, though it was a cheapish chinese make. Maybe a better quality one makes sense.
Cheers, Jools

Jools you got 12 months out of a battery, must have been a good one lol do yourself a favor and don't buy those Chinese wet acid batteries, treat yourself to an AGM type, the Motorbatt ones seem the best around these days but there are others. The gel type I haven't found that good either

Just a quick update for future reference - New battery, no flickering. I'll stay away from those cheap Chinese ones from now on. Thanks again for the advice.