headlight out on '83 xj750 maxim

hello all... just bought a pretty nice 750 maxim and everything works great... except the headlight. I replaced the fuse (into the fusebox which is missing an ear for this specific fuse, the fuse does touch on both sides though) and I removed the bulb which appears to be fine. I am aware this bike has a fairly complex electrical system and I know nothing about electrical. But I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what may be causing this problem.
thanks for the help.

 

Welcome to the site clairmonthood, one of the first "mods" you should do is replacing the old fuse holders with a modern spade type fuse system. This will save you a lot of headaches down the road with the bikes electrical system. Here's only one link to a how to....... http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=6350.html

To confirm the bulb is okay, if you have a test meter, check the continuity of the headlight to see if it's burnt out. If you don't have a test meter you could use some wire and directly hook up the headlight to the battery and see if it lights up.

 

You can also check the connectors to the headlamp and the switches function, although i'd do the fuses first.

Welcome to the forum!

 

i tested everything and I have a good reading from the fuse box, but a really weak reading from the "high beam / low beam" switch. So apparently there's a break in the line and i have to go through the whole wiring harness? Jeeepers! Looks like I may be forced to learn electrical after all!
Any other ideas?

 

Hello and welcome Clairmont! Any relation to Clairmont Mesa? Just kidding. From the sounds of it, you need to get the headlight switch opened up and cleaned out. Don't be shy, dig in. WD-40 is your friend.
For beginning in electricity and such things, Getting Started In Electronics (I think that is the name of the book) by Forest Mims III (his name I am certain of, he also has a website) is available from Radio Shack through special order or at his website. That book takes the general person and takes them through how to use a multimeter and transistors. I think it is the best book for the price.

 

Alright, cleaned out the switches to (no avail) I'm thinking I'm going to change that fuse box out (as it seems to be the cause of o-so-many problems on these bikes) There are a few shops by my house here (yes, clairmont MESA) what do I need to get, spec. wise?
thanks again.

 

There are a few vendors that offer reasonable blocks but Chacal and Rick both hawk their particular favorites. Look them up in the directory, Chacal sells them for cheap. If you get really hosed, I'm up for a ride down south, my sister lives on the east end of National City.

 

I just went through that with my XJ1100, turns out the starter button turns off the headlight circuit, that was my problem. The spring in the switch was broken and there was no contact for the lights. I don't know if the 750 is the same but it is a possibility.
Read my postings on the problem. it's labled " XJ1100 headlight help"

 

This is a High Quality Fuse Panel I recommend.

http://wirewerksperformance.com/index.p ... 87ee7829ba

 

Just a quick note: that is available locally from an electronics shop in National City, I think it is -- maybe Chula Vista. The name of the place escapes me at the moment, however. I saw it when i was down there getting some circuit board sealant in preparation for repairing my TCI module.

Robert: if you do swing down, let me know. I'll buy you a fish taco or two.

Clairemont: definitely ohm out that headlight. I learned the hard way that looks can be deceiving, especially with barrel fuses.

 

Schmuck, you're on. National City Cycle, on National City Blvd, just off of the 8th Street exit. Mike owns and runs the place. Really user friendly. Rob runs the service department. Knows his s*** about old bikes. I'd highly recommend them to anyone with an old bike. They may or may not remember me. Just mention my name and that I was one of the twins in the Navy. They should give you great service regardless.

 

Oh, Baby ...
Fish Taco's!

What kind of fish?
And, are they worth the ride to go get?

 

Why, Ralph Rubio only uses the best Alaskan Pollock he can get his mitts on. Are they worth the ride? That's for you to decide.

Fish tacos are your friends.

Oh, and before I forget -- that electronics store I mentioned is:

Willy's Electronic Supply Co., Inc.
1636 D Avenue
National City, CA 91950

 

My brother took me to Willy's before he moved out of the area three years back. Neat place. Reminded me of Weird Stuff in San Jose. They had a little of everything and it was all cool. Prices were resonable too!
Fish taco... I had the pleasure of sampling (and then devouring several) one at a Mexican birthday party this past summer. I made a pig of myself after I inhaled the first one.

 

<evil cackle> We're taking over...

 

I hope to die happy, I'm working hard on it.

 

i just wanted to thank you all for your help. At this point i just ran an inline fuse and Im sayin screw it to the fuse box. I may do my entire electric that way, I have a feeling if i change the fuse box i may just be opening a big can-o-worms that I can't afford, nor do i have the knowledge to fix at this time. I'll probably do it properly later, but the important part for the moment is that the headlight works.

thanks again,
justin