Interesting Electrical Problem

[Leo]

While out for a ride today on my Lifan LF200GY-5, I glanced down to notice that my High Beam Indicator was on. The indicator remained on with the switch in either the low or high position. Once stopped I noticed that I had no headlight in either position. A new headlight bulb fixed the problem. I guess the old bulb must have burned out and shorted something internally keeping the indicator light on.

It's nice to have an easy fix!

[AZ200cc]

Might be a the way they warn You the bulb is out.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by AZ200cc

Might be a the way they warn You the bulb is out.

I was thinking the same thing. If this is so, I think it's a nice feature.

The last time I was riding in downtown Ogden, Utah, I met an irate automobile driver as I traveling to a favorite restaurant at dusk. The streets in Ogden are wide, with multiple traffic lanes running both directions. The car driver was in the right lane, and as I passed him on the left, he began to scream obscenities at me. When we stopped at the next traffic light, he pulled up next to me in the left hand turn lane, and continued yelling, in a fit of rage. I thought he was crazy, so I was not disappointed when he turned left after the light changed. I drove through the light, and quickly exited the street, since I did not want this raving lunatic to ram my 200cc motorcycle. I parked my Zong, and got ready to defend myself against the abusive madman. Apparently, he did not have the stomach for a physical confrontation, as he continued to drive away.

After I saw he was not coming back, I got on my bike, and continued riding to the restaurant. After I had finished eating, I started my motorcycle, and discovered my headlamp was extinguished! Since I had brought along a spare, BA20D bulb, I immediately replaced the headlamp bulb.

As I was riding back to my hotel, I puzzled about the actions of the abusive lunatic. Suddenly, in a flash of insight, I arrived at a possible explanation for his behavior! Apparently, the idiot was getting ready to merge left, in front of me, as we were approaching the traffic light. The headlight on my Zong is designed to remain lit always. However, since my headlamp bulb was extinguished, the driver probably had difficultly seeing me in the early twilight. Therefore, as I passed him on the left, he flew into an obscene fit of rage.

I have only one remaining question regarding this incident. When did people start flying into obscene rages, instead of politely saying, “Sir, did you know your headlamp was extinguished?” :roll:

Spud

[Reveeen]

“Sir, did you know your headlamp was extinguished?”

And what about those of us who legally ride without the headlight on at all? (in the day time)
(pre 1967 motorcycle)

The absolute worst, for figuring out that anybody is "in the way", are taxi drivers, and it is to them, that I dedicate my right hand pocket (that I keep topped up with "dead" spark plugs). Try arguing with a face full of spark plugs.

[david3921]

My Qlink XF200 has this feature. I went with a different headlight that drew more amps. The plug got too hot and melted somewhat. The high beam indicator came on when the connection was lost. I was driving at the time and wondered what the heck was going on. I found and fixed the problem when I got home. That's when I realized I had the feature.

[FastDoc]

Spud's story emphasizes the reason I never leave home without the means to protect myself. People are nucking futs. 8O

[TurboT]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Spud's story emphasizes the reason I never leave home without the means to protect myself. People are nucking futs. 8O

Dude I just laughed out loud at that. Hopefully you and I never get into a dissagreement.

Spud: A few years back I was driving home from work in rush hour traffic, and I had stopped at a light. Behind me was this big rig, think it was a dump truck or something. As I look back, the driver's door swing open and the driver jumps out, and comes running up to me window. I'm thinking, "Oh boy, what is this guy's problem?" He gets to the window and I have my hand on the handle and my seatbelt off, ready to unlatch and body check it into him if things get ugly, and he says in the meakest voice I've heard, "Sir, just wanted to let you know you have a burnt out tailight on your drivers side."

He turns and runs back to his rig.

Maybe shit like that only happens up here in friendly Canada. Where we don't need to pack heat. :P

[FastDoc]

Originally Posted by TurboT

Dude I just laughed out loud at that. Hopefully you and I never get into a dissagreement.

Spud: A few years back I was driving home from work in rush hour traffic, and I had stopped at a light. Behind me was this big rig, think it was a dump truck or something. As I look back, the driver's door swing open and the driver jumps out, and comes running up to me window. I'm thinking, "Oh boy, what is this guy's problem?" He gets to the window and I have my hand on the handle and my seatbelt off, ready to unlatch and body check it into him if things get ugly, and he says in the meakest voice I've heard, "Sir, just wanted to let you know you have a burnt out tailight on your drivers side."

He turns and runs back to his rig.

Maybe sh-- like that only happens up here in friendly Canada. Where we don't need to pack heat. :P

Unless I or a loved one or other innocent is in immediate danger for his or her life, I'm as safe as a purring kitten. 8)

[TheRealWorld]

I don't know the answer to the original answer, but I know how it could work. The high beam is wired in parallel with the indicator light. When the main filaments opens, the voltage finds a path through the indicator light.