This started in this thread --
http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/3107-battery-shutoff-switch/
...as a means to save the drain on the battery. It seemed a simple enough idea, so I thought I'd give it a go. It was so easy, so simple, and so elegant a solution I thought others should know about it.
I'd provide photos, but I didn't take any when I did the job (which took maybe 10-minutes max).
Here's how ya do it..
(NOTE - We have learned that this mod will only work on pre-2001 TWs which have the slider-type headlight switch. If you have a newer bike with a rocker-type switch, don't do this... It will not work and will likely ruin your switch)
1. Remove the plastic part of the headlight switch be removing the Phillips-head screw on the side of the thumb-switch.
2. Pull up on the switch to remove it. Also remove the thin metal plate underneath it.
3. Be sure the key if in the "off" position while you do these next steps. You don't want any power flowing.
4. You will be elongating the slot the switch moves in at the -TOP- of the slot. (This is the position above the High beam position.
5. I used a Dremel tool to do this. You could probably use a small drill bit as well to delicately nibble away about 1/16" - 1/8" of plastic at the top of the slot.
6. Turn on the Key so you have power. Now push the switch from the Low, to high, and now beyond that into the new position you have created at the top. If the headlight goes out and the switch will stay there in that position, you are done. If not, nibble away at the top to make the slot a wee bit longer. Keep testing until you get it to work.
7. Reassemble the switch and enjoy your new 3-position headlight switch!
Yeah.... I know U.S. DOT would not approve of this modification as they have a "headlights on all the time" regulation for motorcycles. (And so you did not learn this mod from me nor do I officially endorse it.
)
But... off-road, when you want to save the drain on your battery a little or run w/o a headlight for any particular reason, this new "Headlight Off" position is what you need.
You may also want to know that you will probably expose the switch to a little more entry of any moisture by elongating the slot, so if wet weather is an issue when you ride, you may want to figure out a way to seal the switch a little better (not that it is all that sealed from the factory anyway.)
Also... this will not be a "run-dark-stealth-mode" as your tail/brake and turn-signals will still operate even with the switch in this new Off position. If someone can tell me how to easily do a mod to turn those things off too when I want, I'll be really excited!
Happy Trail(ways)!
http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/3107-battery-shutoff-switch/
...as a means to save the drain on the battery. It seemed a simple enough idea, so I thought I'd give it a go. It was so easy, so simple, and so elegant a solution I thought others should know about it.
I'd provide photos, but I didn't take any when I did the job (which took maybe 10-minutes max).
Here's how ya do it..
(NOTE - We have learned that this mod will only work on pre-2001 TWs which have the slider-type headlight switch. If you have a newer bike with a rocker-type switch, don't do this... It will not work and will likely ruin your switch)
1. Remove the plastic part of the headlight switch be removing the Phillips-head screw on the side of the thumb-switch.
2. Pull up on the switch to remove it. Also remove the thin metal plate underneath it.
3. Be sure the key if in the "off" position while you do these next steps. You don't want any power flowing.
4. You will be elongating the slot the switch moves in at the -TOP- of the slot. (This is the position above the High beam position.
5. I used a Dremel tool to do this. You could probably use a small drill bit as well to delicately nibble away about 1/16" - 1/8" of plastic at the top of the slot.
6. Turn on the Key so you have power. Now push the switch from the Low, to high, and now beyond that into the new position you have created at the top. If the headlight goes out and the switch will stay there in that position, you are done. If not, nibble away at the top to make the slot a wee bit longer. Keep testing until you get it to work.
7. Reassemble the switch and enjoy your new 3-position headlight switch!
Yeah.... I know U.S. DOT would not approve of this modification as they have a "headlights on all the time" regulation for motorcycles. (And so you did not learn this mod from me nor do I officially endorse it.
But... off-road, when you want to save the drain on your battery a little or run w/o a headlight for any particular reason, this new "Headlight Off" position is what you need.
You may also want to know that you will probably expose the switch to a little more entry of any moisture by elongating the slot, so if wet weather is an issue when you ride, you may want to figure out a way to seal the switch a little better (not that it is all that sealed from the factory anyway.)
Also... this will not be a "run-dark-stealth-mode" as your tail/brake and turn-signals will still operate even with the switch in this new Off position. If someone can tell me how to easily do a mod to turn those things off too when I want, I'll be really excited!
Happy Trail(ways)!