My RVF400 NC35 1996 model, I noticed the lights were not working when the bike was started up, (dipped beam)so my friend checked the bulbs & wiring etc (all the fuses are OK & the battery is charged). Just to clarify how do the lights work on the RVF, the light should be on when the ignition is turned on AND OR when the engine is running?????? When the 'flasher/pass' button is pressed both lights come on - main beam (hence bulbs OK). (The bike is at friends with forks & shock out at the moment & so we don't want to start the bike lol.) Sorry for the silly question, I can't remember how it should work!!! DOH!!
So IF the lights should be on when the ignition is turned on? Any ideas why the lights are not working??? What do you check etc.....

Right ive just been and checked my RVF my findings were -
Ignition - both lights on dipped
On Starting up - both lights off
Once running - Both lights on dipped
Press flasher- both lights flash but on is slightly brighter
Main beam button - both lights get brighter but again one is marginally brighter than the other.

I hope this helps.
Tam

The lights will go when you crank the engine cos the current drain to the starter saps all the battery's potential. As the rvf only has one relay for the headlights according to my schematic, the fault probably lies with the headlight dip switch. Yould need a multimeter to test these circuits, test the dip switch and the relay for dc.