New to bikes and need some help...(electronics)

Carmelroro · 10-05-2009, 01:04 PM

Hey guys,
I just bought my first bike, a '97 VFR 750, about four months ago. I have no mechanical background but would love to start fixing her on my own. That being said, when I originally bought her she was having electrical problems which were caused by a bad ground wire. Well I've since had that fixed just had a few questions about how the electronics should work so I know what I still need to fix.

First is the clock suppose to reset to 1:00 after every time I turn her off?
Second Are the lights suppose to dim slightly when I reduce the throttle?

Third, I know that this is a problem just need suggestions on how to fix it, when I flip on the highbrights my entire headlight turns off. But if I have it turned on then slightly rock the switch back like I was going to turn off the highbrights then they will kick on. Does any one know how to fix that?

steven113 · 10-05-2009, 01:24 PM

1. your clock is missing or making a bad connection to the constant +
2. check all connecters and fuses between the headlights and the battery, clean them with electrical cleaner(not alchohol so you do not damage the plastic connecters) replace any of them that appear burnt or rusty) then pack each one with dialectric grease.
3. sounds like you need a new light switch, you could try taking it apart and cleaning it but I would suggest replacing it. You may also find your resistance problem causing your lights to dim in that switch so I would say it is a good starting point.

VT Viffer · 10-05-2009, 02:26 PM

The headlight switch problem is common on any motorcycle that has spent a lot of time outdoors exposed to the elements.

Remove and take apart the headlight switch. Clean out any sort of grease and contaminants that may be present. The contacts for the hi/lo switch are corroded and need to be cleaned with either a pencil eraser or a fine sandpaper. Afterwards, a dielectric grease should be used inside of the switch to prevent further corrosion.

Carmelroro · 10-05-2009, 02:50 PM

Alright I'll start with the switch and see that that goes. Thanks guys.

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10-05-2009, 01:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
Carmelroro Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Last Online: 11-19-2009 12:31 PM Location: Daytona Beach, Fl My Ride: '97 VFR 750 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New to bikes and need some help...(electronics) Hey guys, I just bought my first bike, a '97 VFR 750, about four months ago. I have no mechanical background but would love to start fixing her on my own. That being said, when I originally bought her she was having electrical problems which were caused by a bad ground wire. Well I've since had that fixed just had a few questions about how the electronics should work so I know what I still need to fix. First is the clock suppose to reset to 1:00 after every time I turn her off? Second Are the lights suppose to dim slightly when I reduce the throttle? Third, I know that this is a problem just need suggestions on how to fix it, when I flip on the highbrights my entire headlight turns off. But if I have it turned on then slightly rock the switch back like I was going to turn off the highbrights then they will kick on. Does any one know how to fix that?

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10-05-2009, 01:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
steven113 Local shrink Join Date: Sep 2008 Last Online: Today 06:42 AM Location: Pensacola FL - Find Me! My Ride: 1998 VFR800fi Posts: 402 Thanks: 8 Thanked 22 Times in 22 Posts	1. your clock is missing or making a bad connection to the constant + 2. check all connecters and fuses between the headlights and the battery, clean them with electrical cleaner(not alchohol so you do not damage the plastic connecters) replace any of them that appear burnt or rusty) then pack each one with dialectric grease. 3. sounds like you need a new light switch, you could try taking it apart and cleaning it but I would suggest replacing it. You may also find your resistance problem causing your lights to dim in that switch so I would say it is a good starting point.

10-05-2009, 02:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
VT Viffer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Last Online: Yesterday 08:47 PM Location: Vermont - Find Me! My Ride: 1996 Honda VFR750F Interceptor Posts: 824 Thanks: 56 Thanked 43 Times in 33 Posts	The headlight switch problem is common on any motorcycle that has spent a lot of time outdoors exposed to the elements. Remove and take apart the headlight switch. Clean out any sort of grease and contaminants that may be present. The contacts for the hi/lo switch are corroded and need to be cleaned with either a pencil eraser or a fine sandpaper. Afterwards, a dielectric grease should be used inside of the switch to prevent further corrosion.

10-05-2009, 02:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
Carmelroro Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Last Online: 11-19-2009 12:31 PM Location: Daytona Beach, Fl My Ride: '97 VFR 750 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Alright I'll start with the switch and see that that goes. Thanks guys.