Question charging system indicator...

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Jan 2, 2014 | 11:29 AM

#11

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by heybaylor

Yes , in Texas , I had a LEO show me in the book that
if the bike is a 74 model or later , it is mandatory to run with headlight on .
I asked him if that was for safety ? , and if it is ? then why is a 73 model safe to ride ??
Got no answer.

What he probably should have said is that such legislation is not retrospective. The rule was introduced in 1974, so doesn't apply to 1973 or earlier bikes. A similar rule would apply to cars, who had daytime running lights from sometime in the 60s IIRC.

Jan 2, 2014 | 01:28 PM

#12

John Harper

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From: San Diego, CA

The feds mandated left side shift on motorcycles, and I believe some major emission controls for cars (bye-bye muscle cars) also in 1974.

However, I do seem to recall my 1977 Yamaha RD400 having an on/off headlight switch,so maybe the federal headlight "always on" law was maybe 1978?

John

Jan 2, 2014 | 01:42 PM

#13

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Possibly, but turning the light switch on while riding carried on for quite a while. That bike had a kick-start, as many bikes did, and very low power electrical systems. My 1974 Harley had a separate light control (additional key position) IIRC and my 1977 BMW also. It was routine to start without the lights on, then turn them on when the engine was running. I still do with my 1990 Glide (bought new).

Jan 3, 2014 | 02:06 AM

#14

Triumph Jerry

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Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 175

Likes: 22

From: Stuart Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by cHarley

It's made buy Kuryakyn and available from numerous sources in black or chrome. It's a cheap (plastic) gauge, but mine has been working fine for 4 years / 50,000+ miles. It has adhesive on the back for "stick-on" mounting.

Kuryakyn 4218 Black L.E.D. Battery Gauge : Amazon.com : Automotive

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...-battery-gauge

http://www.kuryakyn.com/products/872/led-battery-gauge

.

Charley I found a digital volt meter at Walmart yesterday for $16 in the
automotive battery section. LCD
Can I ask you where you got your power from?
I need an easy to access switched hookup at the handle bars, maybe at
the horn switch?
I'll wait to hear from you before I tear things apart.

....jerry

Jan 3, 2014 | 08:08 AM

#15

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

I tapped into the IGN wire off the backside of the key switch, but any "switched" circuit would do.

Jan 4, 2014 | 01:45 AM

#16

Triumph Jerry

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From: Stuart Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by cHarley

I tapped into the IGN wire off the backside of the key switch, but any "switched" circuit would do.

Got it done yesterday Charley, took the back plate off the risers and soldered it into the timing side turn signal light.
It has three wires, the outside two are the ground and running light.
....thanks jerry