a few weeks ago, the headlight started to function intermittently. It worked less and less as the days went by. There was no pattern to it. I replaced the bulb today and it still doesn't work. I checked fuses and connections, everything seems to work ok,

I called a local guy who says it could be in the handlebar switch...the question is, which one...the blinker hi/lo switch or the other one.

Is this a common problem? Any suggestions. I've got very little money and want to try to do this repair myself if possible but don't really know where to start, PLEASE help if you know about this issue and reply at my personal email on gmail at timpotts911. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Welcome to the site! I'd check the ground circuit & connections at the light before I did anything else. Corrosion is your enemy!

Hi and welcome here

I'd bet some Money that it's the Starter Button. Most likely it's stuck in a not completely outward Position. There's a normally closed Contact in there which cuts the Light out while starting. If the Button is stuck or the Contacts in the Switch are corroded, the Head Light can't work at all. Wiggle at the Starter Button first ....

I owe you 350 dollars. That's what the shop was going to charge me. It was EXACTLY what you said. So, should I do some surgery on that switch or just pull it out each time?

Squeeze won't take your money. He's just one of the good guys that's knowledgable & pays it forward! Good call Squeeze!

Hey, I'm just glad you found the Bugger !!!


What should you do ?


Depends on your Skills, available Tools and how long you're planning to keep your Bike ...

You could invest half the Money saved in a decent metric Tool Set and a cheaper digital Multimeter and use those properly ...

If you have a short Phillips Head Screwdriver or, even better, a 1/4 Ratchet with a fiiting Bit, you could undo the Switch and clean up inside, not only the Starter Button, but also the Run/Stop Switch which could give you some Grief also later on ... I'd diconnect the Battery before working inside the Switches, because some of the Contacts are hot. Ride over to Ace Hardware or MCmaster-Carr and get yourself four Bolts M6x50mm to replace those sick Phillips Head Bolts (which are in Fact JIS Heads) when you're done.


And while you're at it, you could do the same on the left Side Switch Assembly also. Might give you better Light and no more fast Blinker Signals Frequency ...

I had exactly the same problem with my v max and the speedometer doesnt light up either though. I checked the power to both switches and they both have volts going to them. theres no corrosion. battery shows 12 volts. fuses are good. I'm sure if the ground has a bad connection or something. I'm not sure where its grounded at either. any ideas?