Headlight out.

While riding last weekend, my headlight would flicker every time I went over a bump in the road (and boy are there a lot in Milwaukee). Eventually, the headlight just went completely out. I played around with the fuse box, swapping the old fuse for a new one, which got the light back on until I went out for another ride. I'm not exactly sure what I did at the fuse box to get the light briefly on. Playing around with the headlight plug didn't fix anything, so I doubt it's a problem with that.

Since the light would flicker every time I hit a bump, I'm guessing there is a loose connection somewhere. Where should I begin checking? The bike has no other electrical problems and runs beautifully. Also, there is no "headlight-out" light on in the gauge cluster.

Headlight Bulb is probably bad ,and filament inside is bouncing around making intermittent contact.
How old is bulb ? As old as the bike ?
Dave

Does it do the same thing whether on High beam or Low beam? Ed

Street Fighter LTD wrote: Headlight Bulb is probably bad ,and filament inside is bouncing around making intermittent contact.
How old is bulb ? As old as the bike ?
Dave

Could be, I have no idea how old the bulb is.

650ed wrote: Does it do the same thing whether on High beam or Low beam? Ed

When the light worked, both high and low worked. Now both high and low are out.

Sounds like you may have a wire in the headlight circuit shorting out... When you messed with the fuses, did you mess with any wires? Trace those wires and see if you can find a bare spot....

Does the head light indicator in the Tach glow? On this 550, the low beam is out so it runs the high beam dimly. Nice idea but don't work for SHT. I'll let the new owner buy a head light.
Steve

The problem turned out to be a pretty simple one. The rightmost plug has lost its locking mechanism and only delivers power to the headlight when the male and female ends are 100% snug. Unfortunately, it keeps coming loose. Is there a good place to buy a replacement connector? What is this type of connector called? I don't know much about electronics.

You can get them at Z1 Enterprises.

You can but them at Z1E. I'd just zip tie it together going between wires top and bottom.
Steve

swest wrote: You can but them at Z1E. I'd just zip tie it together going between wires top and bottom.
Steve

I'm ahead of you there. We'll see how tight this stays while riding over Milwaukee pot holes. Good thing my suspension is soft and worn out. :lol:

I'd wrap the wires to keep them from chafing.
Steve