RVF headlight problem

[MarkV4]

A few weeks ago the headlights on my RVF didn't want to come on anymore while out on an evening ride. At first I thought it may of been the bulbs, but thought it suspicious how both lights didn't want to work. I changed both bulbs anyway, and i've also changed the headlight relay with a brand new genuine honda part but they still won't work. I'm planning to get the multimeter out and check out the wiring in the next few days. The "passing" switch on the L/H side switchgear doesn't have any effect, neither the hi-beam. I've checked the switchgear and had it apart but couldn't find any particular problem.

Has anyone had this problem before? Or can anyone point me in the right direction... I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[birrdh]

Have you checked the fuses under the rear seat?

[Neosophist]

The Japanese bulbs are lower wattage on dipped beam so it may have overloaded. You say you've already checked the switchgear which is where problems usually present themselves, and the fuse which is the other obvious thing to check.

Get hold of the wiring diagram and a multimeter and follow the path till you find out where the problem lies. Might be worth posting your results too so anyone else with the same problem has an eaiser job :)

[fastdruid]

If they're 55/60w bulbs the switch can melt and stick in between lo and hi.

Druid

[MarkV4]

Thanks for the advice so far, the first thing I checked was the fuse box under the seat and the fuse was still fine. They're still the import 35w bulbs so that shouldn't be the problem.

I suppose all I can do now is check the wiring, i've got a wiring diagram in the shed somewhere luckily! I'll post up what it was if and when I find out :)

[maciekmaciek19]

So what bulbs should we be using? 55W too much?

[fastdruid]

So what bulbs should we be using? 55W too much?

55/60's work a treat with the tabs cut off, right up until the switch fries. Either add a second relay for it or use the original 35/55's (I think that's what they are).

Druid

[fastdruid]

Thanks for the advice so far, the first thing I checked was the fuse box under the seat and the fuse was still fine. They're still the import 35w bulbs so that shouldn't be the problem.

I suppose all I can do now is check the wiring, i've got a wiring diagram in the shed somewhere luckily! I'll post up what it was if and when I find out :)

I'd still start with looking at the switch.

Druid