Lights on when key is on ?

[riotten22]

Should my head light turn on when the key is in the on positon on a 81 xs400 or does the engine need to be running ?

 

[xschris]

When you kick it over or when it starts it should come on.

 

[riotten22]

sweet, bike isnt ready to run yet but I am going over my wiring and wanted to make sure I didnt mess something up. Brake light works and i can hear the solenoid click on so once it fires then I should see some lights.

 

[Sandrew]

I can switch the lights on and of whether it runs or not on mine. Just ignition on and hit the switch.

 

[riotten22]

I can switch the lights on and of whether it runs or not on mine. Just ignition on and hit the switch.

My xs only has a hi / low headlight switch not an on off switch... Maybe different on different years / models ?

 

[HoughMade]

I think the headlight on/off switch went away with the change in law and 1979 on, the lights come on when the engine starts. This applies to U.S. models.

 

[ace68]

I think the headlight on/off switch went away with the change in law and 1979 on, the lights come on when the engine starts. This applies to U.S. models.

Aussie models too