Do You Ride W/ Lights On In Daylight?

MrFastback · Apr 9, 2009

I find my battery runs down with the lights on causing my Boyer ignition to cut out. Anyone else have this problem?

I'm new here, here's a few photos of my bike:

Jeandr · Apr 9, 2009

Nice bike, really nice

In Canada, it is the law, we have to ride with the lights on, fortunately, the little pilot light in a regular headlight shell is OK.

Jean

MrFastback · Apr 9, 2009

Jeandr said:
Nice bike, really nice

In Canada, it is the law, we have to ride with the lights on, fortunately, the little pilot light in a regular headlight shell is OK.

Jean

Thanks!
It's also the law here as well although it doesn't apply to old vechicles. I'm not sure of the cut off year.

ILLF8ED · Apr 9, 2009

lights out

Hi Fastback,

I don't ride with lights unless feeling intimidated by dark backroads. Not required for motorcyles made before 1976 in California. With a good alternator and riding above 2,500 rpms you should be able to keep the battery charged. Low output on the alternator can be due to a rotor with weak magnetism.

You're in my back yard. Recognize Old Altamont Pass Rd in your pictures. I'm in Brentwood. Look for a '72 red 750 roadster.

If you're not aware, the Northern California Norton Owners Club has over 150 members and always looking for more Norton rider members. Check out at www.nortonclub.com There is an April ride starting at Alice's Restaurant April 19 starts at 10:00am. Check the club officers page...I'm the club VP.

David

tpeever · Apr 9, 2009

MrFastback said:
find my battery runs down with the lights on causing my Boyer ignition to cut out. Anyone else have this problem?

You might need to get yourself a new rotor or upgrade your charging system. Are you running a halogen headlight? Any other current draws besides the Boyer and taillight? My bike maintains a good charge running a regular headlight bulb plus pilot bulb, Boyer ignition and taillight. I fitted a SPARX 180W single phase alternator and a solid state regulator and this seems to work just fine although I don't do a lot of stop-and-go driving. If you are idling a lot, you might consider the SPARX three-phase alternator which gives better output at low revs. There are halogen replacements available for the pilot bulb which are supposed to give off a pretty bright light for daytime driving but I have no experience with them.

I think your bike looks great as well. Nice job.

Cookie · Apr 9, 2009

Do you have a typical sealed beam headlight? My personal experience when using a Commando for transportation in SF was if I rode with headlight on in the daytime and night time I had to charge the battery now and again.
When I pulled the sealed beam and used a headlight with a separate bulb from a European delivery Volvo it had a small park bulb in the headlight.
I fitted a low wattage running light in the small bulb position for a daytime running light which solved my problem.

RennieK · Apr 9, 2009

Hi, nice bike! welcome to the forums.

slupdawg · Apr 9, 2009

Sweet bike! Get a 3 phase alternator or trickle charge it every time after a ride.

cash · Apr 10, 2009

I've modified the wiring to allow the head light to be switched on alone. Though LED rear lamps, three phase alternators and new wiring are the real fix.
Cash

MrFastback · Apr 10, 2009

Some really great suggestions and information!
Thanks guys! I really appreciate your friendly and helpful suggestions!
I can see this forum will be a great place to hang out.
I'm still learning about my Norton and all your information is greatly appreciated.
I've got my battery on a Battery Tender now so it will be ready to ride this weekend (if it's not raining).
I hope to meet you local guys in person soon.

L.A.B. · Apr 10, 2009

Although daytime headlamps are not compulsory in the UK, bike owners that have machines with fairly low output charging systems and who prefer to use daytime lights often fit a 20W halogen bulb in place of the pilot bulb, and run on that during the day, although it is sometimes necessary to change the switch arrangement so the pilot is switched off when the headlamp is switched on, otherwise the electrical drain on the battery would be even greater still.

http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffybulbs.htm

kommando · Apr 10, 2009

I run 20W pilots in all my bikes, even with a single phase alternator no problems with battery running down but the best fix is a 3 phase unit as I find the revs on an 850 are much lower than my other bikes at the same roadspeed.

Stuart SS · Apr 10, 2009

My thing is (usually ) Xeon Headlamp on ~ or just parking front ~

Plus I use fluoro visor on a (matching) red helmet ~ to bike colour ~

Actually I debated with Ms M as to whether I should consider a fluoro vest as it seems the fatality rate on bikes in QLD (Australia) has been very bad with motorcyclists ~

A lot of this I feel is totally inexperienced new riders or even Baby Boomer riders taking up riding again with new ( more powerful ) bikes ~

But the big point is the number of idiots on the roads... and they need ALL the help we can give them ~

maylar · Apr 10, 2009

kommando said:
I run 20W pilots in all my bikes, even with a single phase alternator no problems with battery running down but the best fix is a 3 phase unit as I find the revs on an 850 are much lower than my other bikes at the same roadspeed.

I did that on mine also. I have a Wipac headlamp (for a Mini Cooper) with the pilot lamp hole. I wired the headlight switch so that I can run a 20 watt halogen pilot light without the headlight being on. Works well for DRL.

Having daytime lights makes it a lot easier for other bikers to find you in their mirror.

fastback · Apr 10, 2009

Welcome Mr.Fastback,
Good looking bike.
I upgraded to a Sparx 3Phase as my alt core was loose to begin with.
I have a 60watt in my bike. Lights up the night, my buddies put me in front on night rides, I think they just want me to get all the bugs. :shock:

Phil

Cookie · Apr 10, 2009

Basically you can increase power or lower demand. My Norton just came over from Maine last fall and we didn't bother to run the headlight there.
Traffic was light and people were pretty courteous.
I live in San Mateo which has a population of over 90,000 people, all of whom are trying to kill me. In spite of some of my bikes being bright red or yellow, and with a headlight on, I still get cut off a couple of times a year by people who don't see me.
I will be fitting this Norton with a small bulb in the headlight shell this summer.

Dr_Hiller · Apr 10, 2009

Year of manufacture doesn't matter in Washington State - motorcycles need headlights on during the day. (we also need turn signals and two mirrors - was ticketed for the latter)

I use a sylvania Ultrastar 40/60w on high during the day. Even with the updated charging system, it can run down in stop and go traffic. (I can see the headlight reflection on the back of the car in front of me dim when I apply the brake.) However, when the bike is parked in the garage it's always on a battery tender. That minimizes the issue somewhat.

I'm going to go LED for tail/brake light and swap my 4AH battery for a 7AH gel-cell here soon. What I'm really waiting for is someone to fab up a headlight that uses Luxeon Endor Rebel LED's. 540 lumens at 9.5w - two of them would produce 1080 lumens at 19w compared to my halogen putting out 975 lumens at 65w.

BrianK · Apr 10, 2009

I have the Sparx three-phase alternator and run a Raybrig 55/60 bulb with an Adjure reflector/lens (can't recommend any or all of these enough). Lights are required at all times here in Massachusetts (and I think in most if not all US states) but I'd run the light even if not - in fact, I run the high beam during daytime (a bit more conspicuity and why not run down the beam I DON'T absolutely need at night?).

They don't call the cagers around here "Massholes" for nothing. Don't need to give them any excuses.

I have headlamp modulators on a couple other bikes (not the Norton, yet) and think they are well worth while also. Probably should invest in another one for the Snorter (I like the Kisan Tech ones, but they are pricey).

I did try to install one of the Kisan Tech brake light modulators on the Norton but for some reason couldn't get it to work. Stuck it on my Beemer instead; it didn't go to waste.

Kinda like helmets. I wear my full face Arai cause I'm fond of my head (don't say it....) not because of helmet laws. Yeah, even on my Harley!

steven wardlaw · Apr 11, 2009

Great looking bike! My 71 roadster also had the same problem. Had to finally change to three phase sparx system. I'm now able to use an H4 headlight and run it on bright during the day. No more dead battery. Even hooked up my heated jacket to the system during some cold mornings.

debby · Apr 11, 2009

Interesting discussion. I didn't know halogen pilot lights were available.

Here in Colorado, we don't have a lot in the way of requirements. I ride with the lights off on my vintage bikes, partly because I can and partly because the charging systems weren't designed for running with the lights on all the time. I don't think it makes much difference if the lights are on or not, the "cagers" still aren't going to see me.

Debby
one mirror
no turn signals
lights out

Do You Ride W/ Lights On In Daylight?

MrFastback

Jeandr

MrFastback

ILLF8ED

tpeever

Cookie

RennieK

slupdawg

cash

MrFastback

L.A.B.

Moderator

kommando

Stuart SS

maylar

fastback

Cookie

Dr_Hiller

BrianK

steven wardlaw

debby

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