Headlight/taillight issue

[john_bilbrey]

I keep blowing bulbs on my '97 ATK 260 Enduro (Ascerbis light kit comes from the factory). Any ideas on what gives? Could it be a short somewhere? I hate to keep putting $5 headlights in every time I ride, not to mention $2 taillights. Plus, it's sort of inconvenient to change them. I would think that if it was a short that they would blow as soon as I fire it up. They usually last for a couple of rides though. Thanks in advance!

 

[G. Gearloose]

Check for good ground on your voltage regulator, it will shunt current to ground (back to the frame, then hopefully the case) when the voltage exceeds 14.5 volts or so. If it can't cunduct to ground, voltage spikes too high, bulbs burn out...It could be intermittant, it only takes a second...

 

[john_bilbrey]

I'll try that next time I'm with the bike. I guess it would be a good time to check all of the connections and make sure everything is solid, good connection, etc. Do you know what the standard voltage is (I believe the stator is rated at 160W, if that makes a difference...)?

 

[motometal]

shouldn't exceed about 14.5 V I believe.  Do you have an accurate tester?  Make sure you rev the engine when testing.

 

[john_bilbrey]

Yeah, Dad has a nice multimeter that we can use check continuity, voltage, etc. I'll update when I have a chance to monkey with the bike. Going on vacation tomorrow but I'll try to post sometime next week. Thanks for the help!