no headlight, no forward running lights

[richardb, austin]

More motersickle electrics - but not mine this time. On this '03 V12, with ~120k miles (formerly Barry Baker's), we checked/changed the 15a headlight fuse, substituted headlight bulb, marker light bulb and headlight relay back & forth with a working bike -> no change in symptoms. BTW, the rear running lights work fine. The 10 pin connector has previously been removed and hardwired.
We jumpered directly from 15a fuse to each headlight filament > headlight when the bike is started and light up the headlight, marker lights & low filament of forward turn signals. Should we suspect a wiring break from the reserve lighting device to the dimmer switch next, the RLD, something else or load it up & go to Florida?
Do we need to unbutton the dimmer sw assy to check continuity from there to the RSD?

[Barry]

I had this same problem. It was the big connector at the end of the fuse box wiring harness. If you pull the false tank cover you can barely see it on the left side. To get access the left side of the fairing has to come off. Hope you don't have a factory CB, because that unit will also be in the way. You will probably find one wire connector fried. Most people cut this wire out of the connector & permanently bypass it. You need good soldering skills. Good Luck & keep us posted.

[mountainman]

Barry is right here, head straight to that connector. If its been rewired check it anyway!

[Okie34]

1st suspect would be the 10 pin connection. Even if its been cleaned etc., this is the place most likely to go south. Next would be the relays on the side of the engine. There's a gang of 3. Headlight, main, & starter. 3rd would be the reserve lighting. After that, start tracing wires.

I had/ have the same issue. Once the bike is started, try "bumping" the start button. The lights may come on after a few tries. This points to the relays as the problem. I replaced the headlight relay & solved 90% of the issue. Still tracing out the other 10%.

-- JD

[richardb, austin]

Ok. thanks. We checked the relay, not only by subbing a new relay in the broke bike but by putting his suspect relay in my working bike - where it continued to work. So.. we gotta tackle that area where there was a 10 pin and is now 10 hardwired connections -all made from the exact same black wire
BTW the t-shoot guide for the Reserve Lighting Device is to check everything else and if it's not that, then it may be the RSD.

[chevyman1]

check the wire to the ignition I had one broken and my headlight would go off or not go on at all.