Hitchcocks Forum

Aragh I'm in trouble with Electrics. I've had a good run with them, been through the full gambit of mechanical problems but it was bound to happen.

I don't know where to start but maybe all this will jog somebodies memory. There's a number of things happening. First off no head light. Neither main beam or dip but when I use the "Flash" switch it does work?

Then there seems to be an issue that sometimes it's not charging and then after riding for a few minutes it'll jump into life and start charging. No headlight whether it's charging or not.

Third when it is charging ever so often, say every 10 seconds, but it ain't regular, the amp meter needle will jump like I've just pressed the horn or something.

I've got a "what do you call it" fitted is it the power box voltage Regulator. it's a few years old at this stage so maybe it's on it's way out. I checked the voltage from the alternator and it's good but that might have been a lucky one and the charge/no charging might still be in there. I'd have to wire up the voltmeter more permanent and mount it.

Any ideas would be gratefully received.

The headlight problem is probably that AC relay widget that fits under the seat. It will cost about a fiver from this site, takes but a few minutes to fit - absolutely any idiot can do it, you don't have to be a mechanic - and I'd advise you to buy a spare one too.

Ha ha. Good job it's not an electric powered bike. LOL.

You have to test both sets of coils from the alternator because one set powers the headlight, the other charges the battery.

Hi guys------------and hello MAD MIKE. See you tomorrow but in the meantime amuse yourself with THIS }-------------http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/uk/?video ----- Lucas starter motor & a 12v Battery this aint !!

jfw, Have a look at the technical notes section, there are some good fault finding guides there courtesy of Mr Hitchck

Hi JFW - sounds like a bad earth to me. Before you spend any money check the terminals on the battery especially the black negative one and make sure that they are nice and clean and tight. Then check the other end of the negative connection and make sure that it's solidly connected to nice bare metal bit of the frame. That's my advice - right it's Friday night, it's nearly nine and I'm off to the pub.

the flash switch works because its wired directly from the battery,main beam & dip are ac generated from the stator,as has been mention there is an ac regulator that may have gone south,also check for ac votage to said regulator have fun