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Riding at night

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by jvswan, Sep 24, 2009.

  1. jvswan

    jvswan Member

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    Hey all,

    I'm a pretty new rider. I've been riding my bike, now, for about two months. I went on my first long-ish ride last week, to an island on the coast. It was about 40 miles each way. However, on my way back it was dark, and I was a little disturbed to find out that my gauges aren't lighted! Is that normal? Or do I have a blown fuse, or something? I had to ride by the sound of my engine. Since I'm pretty new, that was kind of a challenge. Occasionally, a yard light or something would allow me a glimpse of my speedo, but for the most part, it was dark city. I kind of like riding at night. But, it is a little stressful not being able to check my speed periodically.

    Anyway, is that what it is normally like for y'all? Or do I need to chase down another problem?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Deadulus

    Deadulus Member

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    Sounds like your instrument lights may be burned out.
     
  3. jvswan

    jvswan Member

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    Ah! So, there are supposed to be some instrument lights? (I've ordered the XJ CDs with the maint and owners manual, but I haven't received them yet...)
     
  4. Ass.Fault

    Ass.Fault Active Member

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    yes, you should be able to see speed and rpm.
    There are several bulbs in my cluster(82 Seca) and I will assume there are several in the 85X
    Makes me think...all bulbs burnt out OR a wiring connection has failed.
    I think the latter makes more sense, but a multi-meter will get to the bottom of the issue real quick.
     
  5. jvswan

    jvswan Member

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    Thanks. I'll take a look at my diagrams and see if I can figure out where/how to test and replace bulbs, if necessary.
     
  6. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Burnt-out instrument bulbs are very common; I've gotten more than one "salvage" cluster with ALL the bulbs burnt out.

    From looking at the fiche for your bike, the instrument covers look like they'll have to come off and the bulbs push in from behind. Might be easier (like it is on my Secas) to pull the whole cluster and do the surgery on the workbench.

    I would recommend you replace the speedo and tach illumination bulbs with 5-element LEDs; you might actually be able to see them at night.
    (I found the LEDs to be too bright as indicator bulbs.)
     

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