Headlights

[daveged]

Head lights not working on my 2012 gen 2 glee -no dip or main beam -bulbs & fuses OK -checked the connecters in the front left fairing all OK -any one had this problem before ?

[graingerblaze]

Check the connection under the air box. My headlights failed without warning and like you I checked the usual culprits, ended up being the connector in the most annoying place to get too. Once accessed, clean and then place something around the connector to keep water out (like a piece of inner tube or heat shrink). My bike is the previous Gen 1 but I believe the issue carried over. Good luck 

[UK_Vstrom650]

 

Connectors under the airbox would be my guess too. Definitely waterproof them while you're there.

[Gert]

   If checking the connector above the radiator does not solve the no headlight problem, then also have a look at the starter button contacts. https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=37795.0
   The starter button interrupts (disconnects) the headlight circuit during starting, to allow more battery power (amperage) to the starter motor for the starting process.
   On the Stromtooper website, there have been a few reports of the starter button with burnt or deformed contacts that prevent the lighting circuit reconnecting after the starter button is depressed. https://www.stromtrooper.com/threads/headlights-down-fuses-OK.424953/

[daveged]

Thanks blokes -will have a look at bike at weekend !

[Artyman]

Talking about headlights…

After doing a lot of night riding over the last few months I reckon this is the worst headlight I’ve ever had on a bike. Well, except for a Triumph T140. That was like having a seance. But as for my 2014 DL1000 - I’m not happy with it. Is it possible to put a higher output bulb in these or it is just a case of a crap headlight design..?

[Gert]

Have you checked that the headlights are correctly adjusted?  Headlight pattern  http://ridershandbook.com/bikes-and-equipment/how-to-align-your-motorcycle-headlight-for-mot/

[Fat Rat]

Hmm, let's work that back. The V-Strom from Gen 1 was without doubt the best headlights on any bike I have owned, the Gen 2 also good. Then Suzuki decided to remove one of the headlights and make way for a ridiculous beak. 

[Rusty Nuts]

Pure coincidence. 

[Gert]

@Artyman, perhaps something like this could be a solution, https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=37768.0

[Ian P]

Back to the op,s original question I had exactly the same thing recently and it ended up being the starter switch.
First thing I noticed was the lights not coming on, then a bit later the starter wouldn’t engage.
After checking the connectors under the tank I removed the handle bar switch, and as per previous advice, found that the connectors in the switch were compromised. Pulled the switch apart, cleaned contacts, put it back together, and it’s been working just fine ever since.
I have a new switch as a replacement and will swap it out when I do the valve clearances in a few km,s time.
That way I have a working second hand spare just in case.
I read Lots of advice about how you must really upgrade with headlight relays, but mine worked just fine for 100,000 km and 14 years, so I take all that with a big pinch of salt.

[Artyman]

Bert. Thanks for that but at £360, I think I’ll put that on a back burner for a while. That’s a lot of dosh. Maybe next year. But I’ve saved the link so maybe…

[daveged]

 All working now- was the right side block connecter -burnt out pin - by passed it with new wire - cleaned up all connecters & sealed them -thanks blokes !