Motorcycle Repair: 1975 Honda CB750 headlight - turn signals, battery situation, auto parts stores


Question
When I turn on my turn signals (with the headlight turned off), the headlight pulses along with the turn signals. With the headlight on (as required by law) the turn signals barely flash. Ever run across this problem? Many thanks.   Chris

Answer
Chris, most 1975 US models have automatic ON headlights, so yours must have been changed or is a 1974 or something.... or maybe you are not in the US!

Anyway, sounds like your battery is low and/or the charging system is not keeping it fully charged. Check your battery for being full of fluid. Add distilled water if necessary. Have the battery fully charged at a shop (1AMP charge rate, do not use a CAR charger on it, if you do this at home), then load test the battery. If the voltage drops below 9v then it is time for a new battery.

Once the battery situation is handled, check lights again to see if they are still doing the same thing. You could need a new flasher unit, which you can substitute with one from the auto parts stores, rather than pay BIG $$ at Honda.

The other things to check are the charging system, once the battery is fully charged/replaced. If it isn't putting out enough volts/amps, then you will fall back into the same situation.

Check ALL the light bulbs for being the correct type and that all turn signal units are properly grounded.

Check www.sohc4.us for more info...

Bill Silver