Hitchcocks Forum

When i ride my 1961 RE bullet 350cc alternator shows charging when I put on sidelights its the same but when I put on main beam it registers a large minus on ammeter I took alternator off and cleaned it there is not much to see its an encapsulated model checked all wiring but still problem exists any ideas ?

What wattage bulb do you have in the headlamp?

My indian bullet won't run anything over about 35-40W

purplefox - You will need to be more specific about your machine details for the knowledgeable guys on here to help you.....Does your 1961 Bullet have its original 6v system, or has it been converted to 12v.? Does it retain its original wiring layout, with split charging through the headlamp switch ? Does it have its original rectifier, or has it been updated to a modern rectifier/regulator ? Does the fault manifest itself on dip, as well as main beam ? etc. etc.

My machine is still on 6 volt electrics , it does this on dip as well, headlamp bulb is 30/24 it has its original rectifier, sorry your getting a bit technical for me on split charging, anyway a number of years ago I rewired the bike I also got a new light switch which said on front Pilot OFF Headlight as against Off Pilot Headlight in my wiring diagram . I phoned up the supplier he said it was an indian part and they were all the same and just to wire it up which I did to my best the lights all worked I,am daytime rider so I did not notice the headlamp charging problem I now think the fault has been in incorrect switch