Correct Lighting Question - 79 SR650

Question folks - When I turn on the lights; actually when I turn on the key - there is no light switch, I get the rear ambers on with the headlight and taillight. I don't get the front ambers. Is that by design or should they come on as well? Brake light, individual turn signals and 4-ways all working as they should. Single-filament "1073" in the rear; double-filament "1034" up front. My book is no help, and I can't find, on-line, specs for what the correct bulbs should nor could Kawasaki dealer help - too old, I guess).

rjd4949 wrote:

... get the rear ambers on with the headlight and taillight. I don't get the front ambers... double-filament "1034" up front....

Perhaps running light filaments are burnt out in both front bulbs.

Or loose connector in wiring to front running lights.

Good Luck!

If not already checked, here are a couple of the wiring diagrams available under "KZ Information" sub-menu "Filebase"

Link to wiring diagram.
Wiring diagram

Hello Rory and WELCOME to KZr forum! We're glad you're here!

I'd remove all four turn signal lenses and examine each bulb. From the factory the front turn signals were dual filament for turn and running lights while the rear ones were just for turning indicators.

The previous owner may have switched front and back signals for what ever reason.

The headlight circuit is controlled(I think) by a reserve lighting system that turns on the headlight after engine start. It also provides the high beam at reduced voltage in case the low beam burns out during a drive allowing you to get home still having a headlight.

Thanks, Mike - You nailed it. I actually wrote that post wrong. I do have front running lights, no rear. So, as you say, this must be by design. It didn't make sense that the previous would have changed anything. As the story goes, he bought it new (his parents did) in June, 1979. Rode it for about 800 miles, crash ed and parked it. I picked it up this past summer. Yep - 814 verified miles. Wanna see a pic?

Thanks, Patton, for the welcome and advise.

nice bike there...correct on front running lights and not in the rears. my 78 is the same stock

Nice find indeed!
Under 1000 miles, WOW.

I had front signals (3 wire dual filament bulbs) put on the back of my bike some years back so all 4 signals were running lights. Sure helps to be seen.
Just gotta run the third wire from the front signals to the back.
Now none of my signals are running lights as I've changed the signals since.

rjd4949 wrote:

Question folks - When I turn on the lights; actually when I turn on the key - there is no light switch, I get the rear ambers on with the headlight and taillight. ).

That's backwards: the front headlight, front amber and rear tail should come on with the key if it is wired stock. The rear ambers are single element bulbs, turn signal only. I changed mine to dual filaments so I have running lights at all four corners now.

rjd4949 wrote:

Thanks, Mike - You nailed it. I actually wrote that post wrong. I do have front running lights, no rear. So, as you say, this must be by design. .

Here's why: the headlight has no visibilty at right angle to the bike so running lights are needed. The rear brake light has "side view" on it so it can be seen from the sides, so running lights were not used.

Now that makes sense. I like the idea of wiring the rear for running lghts. I'm all about visibility.