Motorcycle Repair: No power to headlight, dead insects, starter button

Question
Hi Mark,
I have a 1986 Honda VFR700F. The headlight just quit working two days ago.  The bulb is fine, ohm'd that, and I have no power going to connector.  Ground is good.  I am suspecting one of three things, but I'm stumped on which to go after first, second, etc. I ohm'd all fuses too.

I read in another post that a user found a problem in the starter switch that turns the light off when depressed.  I'm not sure if mine does that or not but the one reason I wonder is that the switch didn't feel right the last time I rode...at first it didn't work and it sort of stuck depressed in until I flicked it from the side.  The next press worked fine...not sure if I had a headlight or not!

Next, I'm wondering about the hi-beam switch. Should I get 12 volts at the switch?  I don't get any volts on any of the three wires. One seems to be ground as the ohm meter says I have a connection to the frame.  The hi-beam indicator on the dash does not work at this time either...the bulb was good.

And finally, I'm wondering if the ignition switch has any dedicated wires just for the headlight...all other lights work just fine and the bike still starts...good battery, etc...

I'm really hoping I don't have to tear apart the harness...I have tried to pull some of the harness connctors apart and detect power, but I can't seem to locate the exact wire/connector that corresponds to the white or blue headlight connector...they go into the harness "neverland" and I can't tell which is which!

Am I missing something?

Sorry for the long one...hope I gave enough info.

Mark...


Answer
Hi Mark,

The problem may be in the starter button switch contacts, ignition switch, loose wire or connector, broken or corroded conductor, or other.

Trace voltage through the circuit to find the problem.

Voltage should be present at the hi beam contacts. The headlight should go out while depressing the starter button.

Ive discovered dead insects and spider webs (non-conductors) between contacts preventing the head light from working.

Visit this website:

www.hondavfr.org/faqs.html

Washing or rain water shorting may cause temporary interuption of headlight operation. Use dielectric grease to help prevent water shorting.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively