66 CA77 Electrical Issues & Headlight Replacement

[pwilke1]

Two part question -

1. I am looking to replace/modify my existing headlight by cutting out the existing bulb and replacing it with a new/replaceable bulb. I've read a few post on the forum discussing this process but have not seen a suggested replacement bulb/socket assembly. Suggestions? Both my high and low beam are now out so I figured it was at least worth a shot.

2. I'm currently having issues with my electrical system and I'm not sure where to start in tracing the problem. I understand the basics of the electrical system but am by no means knowledgeable. Here's the run down on the issue:

Fully charged battery. Bright headlight (recently went out) with key on. Kicks off and runs great. Absolutely no issues when the kick start is used. If I attempt to use the electric start or activate the break light before starting the bike, it won't even try to turn over. It acts almost as if the battery is dead. The headlight would also become very dem. I can then kick start it after several tries in which the bike runs poorly for 10-15 min until it "perks" up again.

This issue can be replicated on a hot or cold bike. I can literally kick it off - ride it - shut it down - try the electric start - "dead" battery - kick it off and the bike runs poorly. I'm really unsure where to start. I've ensured connections are fine, battery installed correctly, ect. I was told the bike's rectifier was replaced prior to purchase. Could this be the issue? Any help is greatly appreciated!

-Patrick

[paperslammer]

Patrick -

I think I had a similar situation. I could kick start my bike, ride it around, and then the lights would work. Then if I let it sit, the light would grow dimmer and then not work at all. The electric starter never worked for me.

Turns out it was just a bad battery that wouldn't hold charge. Try this: turn the ignition switch to some 'on' position and hold a voltmeter up to your battery. On mine, the voltage would start around 12V, then dip all the way down to 5V in about 3 minutes. When I turned the bike back off, the voltage would jump back up to 12V.

If this happens to you, it's time for a new battery. You could try charging it and see if that works first, but I got a new battery and now the electric start works like a champ.

Good luck!