electrical fire 09 EGC
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 460
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From: Rhode Island/Pensacola Florida
electrical fire 09 EGC
Has anyone ever experienced an electrical fire on their bike while riding?
We rode to Bar Harbor Maine from Rhode Island for the weekend with several friends. After riding around the island for a while we returned to the motel and I noticed my check engine light was on. At that point my friend asked if my brake lights were working as he did not see them as we rode. We checked and of course at that moment the brake light did work. So now it's time to do a beer run and of course I was elected. When I started the bike the check engine light was off. As I was returning from getting the beer I could smell something burning (never a good sign). When I pulled in front of the cabin all I heard was "your bike is on fire". Apparently the rear brake light switch wires were on fire. We were able to put it out quickly and the only damage was to the rear brake light switch and wires. At that point we noticed the bottom wire was disconnected from the light switch. Our theory is that the wire became disconnected causing the check engine light to come on and causing no rear brake light function. While riding to the liquor store the wire made contact with the housing unit causing a greater resistance, thus causing the wire to over heat and catch fire.
Any thoughts?
Bringing it into the shop tomorrow and update later.
We rode to Bar Harbor Maine from Rhode Island for the weekend with several friends. After riding around the island for a while we returned to the motel and I noticed my check engine light was on. At that point my friend asked if my brake lights were working as he did not see them as we rode. We checked and of course at that moment the brake light did work. So now it's time to do a beer run and of course I was elected. When I started the bike the check engine light was off. As I was returning from getting the beer I could smell something burning (never a good sign). When I pulled in front of the cabin all I heard was "your bike is on fire". Apparently the rear brake light switch wires were on fire. We were able to put it out quickly and the only damage was to the rear brake light switch and wires. At that point we noticed the bottom wire was disconnected from the light switch. Our theory is that the wire became disconnected causing the check engine light to come on and causing no rear brake light function. While riding to the liquor store the wire made contact with the housing unit causing a greater resistance, thus causing the wire to over heat and catch fire.
Any thoughts?
Bringing it into the shop tomorrow and update later.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 808
Likes: 1
From: so.jersey
Has anyone ever experienced an electrical fire on their bike while riding?
We rode to Bar Harbor Maine from Rhode Island for the weekend with several friends. After riding around the island for a while we returned to the motel and I noticed my check engine light was on. At that point my friend asked if my brake lights were working as he did not see them as we rode. We checked and of course at that moment the brake light did work. So now it's time to do a beer run and of course I was elected. When I started the bike the check engine light was off. As I was returning from getting the beer I could smell something burning (never a good sign). When I pulled in front of the cabin all I heard was "your bike is on fire". Apparently the rear brake light switch wires were on fire. We were able to put it out quickly and the only damage was to the rear brake light switch and wires. At that point we noticed the bottom wire was disconnected from the light switch. Our theory is that the wire became disconnected causing the check engine light to come on and causing no rear brake light function. While riding to the liquor store the wire made contact with the housing unit causing a greater resistance, thus causing the wire to over heat and catch fire.
Any thoughts?
Bringing it into the shop tomorrow and update later.
We rode to Bar Harbor Maine from Rhode Island for the weekend with several friends. After riding around the island for a while we returned to the motel and I noticed my check engine light was on. At that point my friend asked if my brake lights were working as he did not see them as we rode. We checked and of course at that moment the brake light did work. So now it's time to do a beer run and of course I was elected. When I started the bike the check engine light was off. As I was returning from getting the beer I could smell something burning (never a good sign). When I pulled in front of the cabin all I heard was "your bike is on fire". Apparently the rear brake light switch wires were on fire. We were able to put it out quickly and the only damage was to the rear brake light switch and wires. At that point we noticed the bottom wire was disconnected from the light switch. Our theory is that the wire became disconnected causing the check engine light to come on and causing no rear brake light function. While riding to the liquor store the wire made contact with the housing unit causing a greater resistance, thus causing the wire to over heat and catch fire.
Any thoughts?
Bringing it into the shop tomorrow and update later.
didn't notice if you said your bike was lowered in any way.is it possible that your tire may have rubbed your wiring under your fender.just a thought
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
My key switch on my '79 FXEF shorted out across the rear fender and the oil tank is right next to the switch and the oil residue that is everywhere on those old shovels caught fire when I left a bar at night, my buddy who was behind me pulled me over and we threw dirt on it. He said he could see the sparks when I crossed over some train tracks and then the flames. We taped her up real good and headed to the next bar!
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 460
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From: Rhode Island/Pensacola Florida
Never had the bike lowered, so nothing should have been rubbing against the tire. I did have the brake pads replaced several days ago and with the 09 bikes the rear caliber needed to be taken off.
Something to think about.
The bike is still under warrenty so back to the dealership Tuesday.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
Yep - can't imagine not having the rear brake circuit protected by a fuse. I'd be looking for other possible problems.
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Didnt have a fire, but my 09 SG had the rear brake light sensor bleed through and had brake fluid all over the wiring and connections. If brake fluid gets hot it can catch fire.
Might want to check for seepage there.
Might want to check for seepage there.