What would cause a headlight to dim out?

[Nick_R_23]

I have a 1985 200s, and the headlights doing something Ive never seen before. If you let the machine sit and idle, the light works fine in both Hi and Lo beam. But when you click it into gear and start moving, after a few seconds the light will get really dim, in both Hi and Lo. If I turn the light off completely and wait a second and then turn it on again, it will work but only for a few seconds. It seems that the longer I wait before turning it on again, the longer the light will stay bright. I dont really know what it could be, because obviously everything still 'works' since the light initally comes on. Anybody have an idea??

-Nick

[jeffatc250r]

Very strange indeed, voltage regulator maybee? Did you ever find a cdi box for the r yet?

[Nick_R_23]

I thought of the voltage regulator, but I havent tested it yet, but wouldnt that interfere with the spark if it was bad?? Im not really sure what would affect it.

I found a box for the R, its 50$ and were going to bring the R in to test it and make sure it sparks before I buy it. I need to get an coolant overflow and might try and find a different grab bar. I also need a connector from the wiring harness to finish it. Hopefully all goes well and it sparks and I can finally get out and ride it!!!!!

-Nick

[84honda200s]

sounds like the regulator to me too. that or the lighting coil but the lights wouldnt be working at all.

[jeffatc250r]

The voltage regulator just knocks the current down to 12 volts i believe so your lights wont burn out, should still run fine with a bad regulator. I have a spare overflow bottle, just pay the shipping, pm me your address and ill send it out, then ill let you know how much it was. How do you want it shipped? Priority ok, or whatever you want.

[NINJA]

i once had a snowmobile that would do this, it ended up being a corroded headlight bulb connector. i figure it acted fine while idling cause it didn't have too many amps going to it but when you bring up your revs your amperage increases even though the regulator keeps it at 12 volts. start looking for a corroded ground or connector somewhere in your lighting circuit.

[84honda200s]

i had a sled that did it to me also he he he. it was a 80 ski-doo everest 444l/c. nice sled for its age but dam it has electrical problems left and right.


my head light problem was caused by a few things. 1 being the wire harness got cut by the clutch wich must have caused the regulator to fri. the regulator for that thing cost me about 40 bucks used. but it went on to live.

[Nick_R_23]

Well I guess Ill check out the regulator when I get back, and Ill sand all the ground points also. Ill check the bulb connector out too, but I dont think thats the problem. Will an 83 Big Red regulator fit on this?

-Nick

[84honda200s]

nope i ran the regulator part number for ya and only a 85 R regulator will work. but im not sure. i can only tell you what i read.

[scooterroo]

check all connections for the light, grounds as well. your voltage regulator could be going bad. however that would have no effect on your spark seeing is how it has nothing to do with the coil.

[Nick_R_23]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwww........do I ever feel stupid!!! Did anyone else catch the fact that this machine doesnt have a regulator before I went out and spent 20 minutes trying to find it?? Im going crazy.

Still have to check all the wiring, grounds, light, and switch later.

-Nick

[McDerry]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwww........do I ever feel stupid!!! Did anyone else catch the fact that this machine doesnt have a regulator before I went out and spent 20 minutes trying to find it?? Im going crazy.

Still have to check all the wiring, grounds, light, and switch later.

-Nick

Was about to mention not to go looking for one as its a 12v ac lighting systems with only a 70w capability.

Start it up, pull off the recoil, and run it till the condition occurs. Then start spraying some wd40 behind the flywheel. Will displace any water around the lighting coil incase there was a crack in the insulation and allowing moisture in.

[3 weelin geezer]

I would check the connections for corrosion too. Especially the ones closer to the ground if you like going in mud.