newly bought zx50 might have lighting problems?

[thebatman]

what up? yeah my running lights turn off when i turn the headlamp on.. figured the runnin lights would stay on to increase headlight...

[zombie]

It is set up that way to protect the stator. the 35 watt bulb in the headlite alone is drawing the maximum the stator is designed for. Adding the white running lites would overheat the stator, and turn it into a paperweight

[TechGuy]

I am not sure if anyone cares or is aware of some of the risks but the different types of bulbs have a lot to do with the shape of the reflector and the resulting light pattern.  If the bulb causes dazzle to the coming drivers, you may actually be adding risk.  Another issue is that some bulbs create too much light directly in front of the bike and it reduces your ability to see down the road.  It all has to do with the way the bulb filament is supported in the lamp and the light pattern it creates. This is why some bulbs are 35/35 but the light patterns are different based on the fact the hi-filament is in a different position than the low, but are both the same wattage.

If you can, stay with the same bulb type but with a different wattage.  Many times, you can find larger wattage bulbs in the same bulb style at the off-road buggy sites. They are less hampered by the laws of the road (being off road) and have brighter bulbs in the same body.

[thebatman]

well,im back wit a lighting issue...lights were working fine...i remounted my turn signals...lights were fine this a.m...did go downhill a ways wide open...now all my lights are gone(except of course,turn signals,brake)...wondering if the keyway is screwed or what throwing it off a bit(actually seems a touch harder to start today too )...stator is 8 mths old, ALL bulbs are brand new...heeelllpp, gotta have my lights back....

[zombie]

Sounds like either there is a short in the wiring that took out the regulator, or the stator took a dump. 1/2 of the stator supplies the lighting/charging, and 1/2 supplies the ignition system. I would start by  comparing the resistance values from the manual for the stator. I think there is a fault in the wiring so I would re-check it all. before hooking it back up.

[thebatman]

oh yeah, for the sake of argument. when i changed my front turn signals, i used the light socket and wire from a car (lights are same size as front runners). much easier to mount in the front. hooked to factory wiring, just clipped off socket end.. could that may have caused my light problem.. new lights worked for 2 weeks.. turn signals still working just fine..

[zombie]

No. It sounds like you got that part right. If the blinkers are still working it shows the regulator is ok. Have you tested the running voltage at the battery? Check the volts, both at rest (key off) and again with the engine reving slightly. You should see 12v for the first, and at least 13 for the second.

[thebatman]

what up? sorry it took me so long....but wouldnt you know you were right...i found a pinched wire an thats what killed my lights..must have finally touched to short out...YAAAYYY..LIGHTS AGAIN...LMAO

[zombie]

Good for you Batman, Most of the time electrical is just a simple problem... Hard to find sometimes, but simple!