View Full Version : Switching headlights off
Hi guys,
I own a SV650s 2007 model. I am mighty annoyed by the headlights being on all the time. I used to have an older Kawa gpx250 and it had a light switch with three positions, OFF, side lights and headlights. The SV is like screaming HERE I COMEEE Mr Cop, I split lanes or maybe do something else bad or maybe just do a routine check for (your) fun, pull me over ! Yes I know there is a safety aspect to it blah blah. I did fine on my old black GPX250 with all lights off, people still saw me..but I was not SO obvious.
Can I get a switch for the sv650s to do the same, maybe replacing the utterly useless warning light switch (all the blinkers on at the same time) ? Actually what I want is to leave the side / rear lights on but switch on/off the headlights manually.
Apparently if there is a switch there and make it look like stock then you don;t have to have the headlights on. :-) I also asked a cop and he said the same. haha - this is QLD, Australia BTW. Do not worry abt any roadworthy, i can reverse the mod for that. I tend to keep bikes for a looong time and we don't have yearly checks here.
Hmm... I may have answered my own Q - run a wire to that useless switch from the headlights maybe.. find their low-beam relay...hope there is one... run to useless switch... repolace the wires.. ??
Has anyone done anything like this on an SV650s ?
Thank you
Defender
26-04-08, 06:07 AM
Having the headlight on continuously is a good safety idea. It's one way to help people in front be they in cars etc or on foot see you!
I've seen one member post on the forums that they use the high beam when on the motorway so they have more chance of being seen.
How can it annoy you when you're behind it?
petevtwin650
26-04-08, 06:27 AM
I am of the other opinion that headlights on can actually annoy car drivers. They could send out a message of " you're in my way move over". There are still plenty of instances where bikers are knocked off in SMDSY accidents who did have their lights on.
I think everyone should at least be able to choose for themselves.
I am of the other opinion that headlights on can actually annoy car drivers. They could send out a message of " you're in my way move over". There are still plenty of instances where bikers are knocked off in SMDSY accidents who did have their lights on.
I think everyone should at least be able to choose for themselves.
That's exactly it. Every time I see headlights on in broad daylight in my mirrors I think of some emergency. I know in EU there are countries that require headlights on for everyone - even cars, but then if you have an emergency what do you do ?? C'mon..
BTW I got pulled over by a cop just to be lectured abt the risks of speeding altho' I was not speding (and his reading showed that), and shown pics on his mobile (??!) of a biker that did speed - and that waste of my time I am sure was also to do with the freakin' headlights and the copper feeling lonely (probably). Bloody unreal.
Another handy switch would be for the licence plate light at the rear ;-)
I'll wait until the bike gets a bit older then start hacking at the elec system I guess... meh. I wonder if the European version does have a headlight switch ?? I once had a scooter that did have that and i ordered the switch from Uk... presto !
Slightly on topic, I work on a military unit and as you approach the entrance there is s sign telling you to switch off headlights. The last thing the guards on the gate want is being dazzled by an on coming car approaching the gate. I have had to apologise a couple of times at night as I have changed bulbs and raised the beam for better night riding which means that the lights are brighter than normal from the guards point of view. I am also of the opinion that there should be a switch to turn them of, as a safety issue.
sv_rider1990
26-04-08, 10:39 AM
Just get a curvy then, you know its the right thing to do!!
Dangerous Dave
26-04-08, 12:33 PM
Get a Curvy switch gear and wire it up if you really want the option of switching your headlight off, easy to do.
Alpinestarhero
26-04-08, 12:52 PM
I am of the other opinion that headlights on can actually annoy car drivers. They could send out a message of " you're in my way move over". There are still plenty of instances where bikers are knocked off in SMDSY accidents who did have their lights on.
I think everyone should at least be able to choose for themselves.
I think this too; I keep my headlights on if i am filtering, hoping that it'll catch some of the car drivers attention so they can move over a little bit (if they want to) or at least so people remember to indicate before they change lanes.
But I'll turn them off if im sitting in traffic. My bike is bright yellow, im quite visible!
Matt
Get a Curvy switch gear and wire it up if you really want the option of switching your headlight off, easy to do.
Ok thanks for suggestion - but what is a curvy ?? - is there a link to images etc pls ? Excuse my ignorance - Thank you.
petevtwin650
01-05-08, 07:03 AM
Curvy is a pre 2003 SV. Non fuel injected. Cuddly shape.
Pull the plugs out, it takes two seconds and you can put them back in in seconds aswell if you happen to be riding at night.
No end of times have I seen bikes going over rough surfaces and it looks like the bike is flashing its headlights to let car drivers out of side roads.
Get a Curvy switch gear and wire it up if you really want the option of switching your headlight off, easy to do.
I'm sure that's not necessary. I'm sure as the OP said the hazard switch could be used - don't know how tho' :oops:
Pull the plugs out, it takes two seconds and you can put them back in in seconds aswell if you happen to be riding at night.
.
Just to be clear, he means the fuse under the pillion seat. And unfortuneately it's a bugger to get out def not a 2 sec job and it doesn't give you the option of switching the lights on when you are riding. But yes definetely the easiest work around. (The inside of the fuse box is marked with which fuse you need to remove)
Curvy is a pre 2003 SV. Non fuel injected. Cuddly shape.
Hahahaaa... OMG I am embarrassed :laughat: :smt115 I actually like that shape more...
So get the switching gear off that... hmm.... the wire for the headlight switch would not be there tho... unless I change the wiring harness, right?
I'll go & have a look at some dealers / wreckers maybe... Thanks for that.
Just to be clear, he means the fuse under the pillion seat. And unfortuneately it's a bugger to get out def not a 2 sec job and it doesn't give you the option of switching the lights on when you are riding. But yes definetely the easiest work around. (The inside of the fuse box is marked with which fuse you need to remove)
No theres an easier way that teriakeymonkey showed me.
You literally pull the plug adapters off the bulb housing.
Just look underneath the clocks and you can see the wires going to the back of the bulb, they pull off and go on nice and easy. A nice quick fix.
No theres an easier way that teriakeymonkey showed me.
You literally pull the plug adapters off the bulb housing.
Just look underneath the clocks and you can see the wires going to the back of the bulb, they pull off and go on nice and easy. A nice quick fix.
Hehehe... nice one - but do that too often and you will bugger the sockets etc...
petevtwin650
01-05-08, 09:53 AM
Hahahaaa... OMG I am embarrassed :laughat: :smt115 I actually like that shape more...
Who, in their right mind, doesn't.:D:D
No theres an easier way that teriakeymonkey showed me.
You literally pull the plug adapters off the bulb housing.
Just look underneath the clocks and you can see the wires going to the back of the bulb, they pull off and go on nice and easy. A nice quick fix.
OK prob 6 & half a dozen which is easier then. The fuse is not too difficult, need pliers tho' & IIRC the dipped & full beam are different fuses so you can still ride with full beam working by the switch.
Advarp - I think you are better sticking with altering the hazard lights switch than getting curvy switch gear. Assuming you don't now DOWNGRADE to the Curvy :roll:
:lol:
yorkie_chris
01-05-08, 12:45 PM
Get a Curvy switch gear and wire it up if you really want the option of switching your headlight off, easy to do.
Yeah bit of cutting and splicing wires, but it's not too involved.
If you've an S, then get a waterproof switch on the clock surround and keep the hazards.
But I'll turn them off if im sitting in traffic. My bike is bright yellow, im quite visible!
I rode a bright yellow ZX6 with twin headlights and yellow leathers (yeah I KNOW) and people still didnt see me. Oh also had a CCC can on it too....
Oh AND a fluro orange Shoei lid.
So visible= yes, seen = probably not...
I rode a bright yellow ZX6 with twin headlights and yellow leathers (yeah I KNOW) and people still didnt see me. Oh also had a CCC can on it too....
Oh AND a fluro orange Shoei lid.
So visible= yes, seen = probably not...
Thinking that your highly visable only provides you with a false sense of security.
I always ride with the opinion and understanding thatto other (sadly except the police) I'm completely invisable lol
Yeah bit of cutting and splicing wires, but it's not too involved.
If you've an S, then get a waterproof switch on the clock surround and keep the hazards.
Or that, yeah... or get a voice activated switch and yell 'ON!!' and 'OFF!!'.. or get a mind-activated switch and think ON/OFF. Have seen the voice activated one at jaycar eons ago, but the mind-activated one I am not sure... ;)
OFF!!!
I am of the other opinion that headlights on can actually annoy car drivers. They could send out a message of " you're in my way move over". There are still plenty of instances where bikers are knocked off in SMDSY accidents who did have their lights on.
I don't have a problem with headlights on low beam, but what gets my back up is those who ride with high beam on in daylight. OK, sure, you're being seen, but the downside is you are hacking off every motorist and other biker out there. It's not possible to judge the approaching speed when all you can see is some ****'s high beam burning at your retinas. Worst of all is when some muppet is following you in a group, and still leaves high beam on. There's been times when I've seen headlights taped over and bulbs unplugged at fag and fuel stops on rideouts - one of my mates even told a bloke that if he insisted on flicking back to high beam after we'd turned it to low, he'd kick the fella's headlights in. Yes, it's that bloody annoying.
I think everyone should at least be able to choose for themselves.
So do I, it'd be nice to have a service mode so the lights can be turned off while working on the bike.
silversurfer
05-05-08, 03:46 PM
[quote=Lozzo;1499489]I don't have a problem with headlights on low beam, but what gets my back up is those who ride with high beam on in daylight. quote]
here here... gets on my nerves too. i don't mind having mine on all the time, i think it's something we have to accept with newer bikes, but the option would be nice.
to me it would say "we don't think you're stupid, we reckon you'll know when to put your lights on"
that said i've forgotten my lid before
and left the keys overnight in the side of the bike
my zzr250 had lights you could turn on and off yourself
and left the keys overnight in the side of the bike
Pah, that's nothing!!
Before now I've left the keys in the ignition. With my helmet & gloves on the tank. Overnight. Bike parked at the side of the road, not chained up. Alarm not armed.
More than once.
Yup, bike has never been moved.
...to conclude this debate lol... now (2013) I finally made the mod. I used the warning lights useless little switch on the RH handlebar to wire up a relay to the low beam of front lights. Just unsoldered the originals and soldered a twin lead in then taped along the existing cables etc. Of crs upon opening the comb switch everything came off, springs, little parts lol... lots of fun. Bah. I put them back... eventually.
I can't be more happy with this... The paqrk lights are onn all the time of crs and when I need low beam (lane splitting or heavy traffic, night time, whatever) I just flick the switch. I am using the headlights a lot less now and the expensive bulbs I got (the 80% extra bright stuff that costs a fiortune) will last a lot longer...
PS I'll tell you if I get pulled over because of that but I doubt it, theres many motorcycles out there with headlight switches. Sofar cops look at me the usual way i.e. 'is he speeding so I can make my quota today' :salut::smt098
I just flick the switch. I am using the headlights a lot less now and the expensive bulbs I got (the 80% extra bright stuff that costs a fiortune) will last a lot longer...
nice one. your MOT inspector might not like it though plus your reg/rec might not like it either as it needs to use power to keep cool.
yorkie_chris
22-01-13, 12:50 PM
nice one. your MOT inspector might not like it though plus your reg/rec might not like it either as it needs to use power to keep cool.
If it's not knackered, it'll be fine.
And he also sounds a bit colonial.
For a UK MOT would that matter? They switch on when they should...
Dicky Ticker
22-01-13, 03:00 PM
As the vehicle concerned was granted type approval with AHO is it a wise move to remove it.I don't know how you would stand regarding insurance if you remove it,do you have to notify them?
The type approval was granted with AHO as a safety factor.
I don't know how you would stand regarding insurance if you remove it,do you have to notify them?
.
A customer ask us to turn of thr DTRL on a Leaf.We got them to sighn a wavior ,informing them to up date the insurance company.
they were back in 48 hrs to have them switched back on...:rolleyes:
the op is in oz, so mot etc doesnt matter to him.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.