Hi, does anyone know what is involved to disable the headlight, some guys I ride with can turn their ignition switch to the left, which allows the bike to start without the headlight switching on. The all had the mod done at the dealer who wants $150 to do the job. I cant think there is to much involved, just a couple of jumpers across the switch.

Why would ya.

It's actually illegal to run without a headlamp going if the bike is newer than about 87 or so. I may be wrong though...my old 86 FXR has the headlight on the ignition switch so its not normally on.

I 'adjusted' my wiring, so my headlight only comes on with the switch fully round to the left in the ignition position, but it was quite a while ago and I can't remember the details. Musta been fairly straight forward?

Why would I? Thinking now, I don't know really, but none of my previous bikes had the headlight compulsorily on and it just seemed 'unnatural'. Guess I just don't like being told what to do, especially when I consider it pointless. I look out for my own safety when I ride, I don't see how my headlight helps. Anyway, my bikes a springer with a totally chrome front end, how can anyone miss that!?

I prefer to have a headlight on all the time.
People DO see it.

Should be easy to do....I would use a relay though as the cables on the switch may not be up to the loading needed for the light.

Be prepared for a fine if a cop in the know decides to ping you for having the light disabled (I'm sure there is an obscure ADR relating to this)

Don't know why you'd want to draw more attention to yourself, but that's your choice!
I thought all recent bikes were hard wired, but a mate had a triumph daytona (2004?) and it wasn't hard wired?!? Dunno.....

I have been told that the law on headlights changed in 2009, I will check it out before I do the mod. Apparently when riding with the sun behind you, when its low, you with the headlight on become invisible.I do know a lot of road rules changed, like the one that pilion passengers must be no less than 9 years old. As I said I will find out prior to any mods, anyhow they can hear me way before the see me. Load pipes save lives, how many times have we heard, I just didnt see you. My mate is still nursing a busted knee. If some has the schematics for the headlight mod. I will be greatfull, Cheers

less load starting, flik on again once started...

Posted By HSTC07 on 15/01/2013 9:08:37 PM Subject: Disabling headlight while riding Message: Hi, does anyone know what is involved to disable the headlight, some guys I ride with can turn their ignition switch to the left, which allows the bike to start without the headlight switching on. The all had the mod done at the dealer who wants $150 to do the job. I cant think there is to much involved, just a couple of jumpers across the switch.
Subject:	Disabling headlight while riding

Why would you do something like that?????

"the only way to turn the headlight on is to stop the bike, turn the ignition off and turn it the normal way. No the smartest of ideas. "


pfff..not @ all...first ignition pos. to left to start....flik to second pos. to left once started for headlight, as Colstah has also previously mentioned...no fuss, no extra handlebar clutter ....cant exactly remember atm, was probably half cut @ th time, but its certainly not rocket science...jus look over th schematic in ya manual....

Jimbo... you got it, that's exactly how it happens!

When you flick it fully to the left to get the headlight on when running, if you do it slowly enough the ignition will cut out, but normally you just flick it straight over and you wont miss a beat.

And it doesn't bother me if some people think it's silly, I prefer if off.

I mean, most of us don't wear fluoro either but that's another added 'safety' thing too isn't it?

not a bad idea....In the past 25 years i have NEVER been pulled over for the headlight. Being a hoon yes, but never the headlamp.

 Colstah I'm with you pal. My '12 Fatboy Lo is getting the lights out treatment at first service. Prostreet at Lonsdale are doing it. He reckons its not illegal laws changed back in '09

I'm not a electric geek but he told me they get into the lighting circuit with a relay, then  run wires to a switch mounted on shroud behind ya headlight.

There's a little plug there that they remove to do it. When guys mount spotties its where they put the switch. Dont know the cost yet.

After that no headlight or tail light 'til I switch them on!

Thanks LB, didn't know the laws changed, now all I have to worry about are the loud pipes and no blinkers....

The original requirement to have headlights permanently wired on was part of then Federal Transport Minister Bob Brown's response (No, not the green one) in 1990 to the Kempsey bus crash. It was part of his "10-point Road Safety Plan".

We protested, we wrote letters to pollies. We gained a committment from the Libs to repeal the ADR if they gained power in the 1996 elections. This they did and they repealed the ADR almost immediately.

I've not heard of any requirement to make lights-on mandatory on a federal or state level since.

I always fit my bikes with a light switch.

being able to turn the light off does have advantages

i pulled the headlight fuse only last month when i noticed that my charging system had failed  ( wires from stator had fused ) .. it allowed me to run the bike for the 30 min trip home before the battery completely drained.  Wouldnt have made it with the headlight on .

also helps for cold cranking sometimes that you can do it without light on.

Why the hell would ya????

It's about freedom of choice.

And I'm not prepared to allow some gumbiment politician decide for me whats safe and what is not. How about wire safety ropes?

Depending on the road and weather conditions, there are situations that I believe having a headlight on doesn't help.eg with the sun behind you. Just because a cage driver sees you, doesn't mean he won't hit you, as I found out.

2011 Roadking you have hit the nail on the head, what I thought was a simple question, has opened quite a discussion. I still am none the wiser on how it's done. Not to worry if I work it out I will post it so others (if the like) can do the mod themselfs.