Motorcycle Repair: Electrical - Honda, honda ascot, low beam

Question
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Followup To
Question -

I got the turnsignals working again and the headlight works on low beam only.  Can you give me some suggestions on finding the reason for the low beam only headlight.  Are the options a bad headlight switch or bad ground?  The headlight bulb is new.  Is there a relay for the hi/low beam?  Thank you again.


Hello,

I just bought a 1984 Honda Ascot, VT500FT.  I know you only answer questions about Harleys, but this is probably a universal motorcycle type problem.  The headlight stopped working but all other lights were working.  To get the bike inspected I needed to fix the headlight.  i started by purchasing a new headlight.  Once replaced the headlight works but only only on low beam and it cuts out when switched to high beam.  And now, the turn signals do not work at all.  I changed all the fuses, also because I don't know how old they are and that was a quick, cheap fix.  This did not help the problem.  The backlight indicator  light is also on, but that was on before.  Is this possibly a ground problem or a battery.  The previous owner thought that the battery may need to be replaced.  But the bike starts, first try every time.  
Any help would be appreciated.  Please send to email address.  Thank you in advance.

Byron Groover
Answer -
What you are going to have to do is get a test light and start at the headlight and follow the wires back until you find the break in voltage. Sounds like you have a short in the wire somewhere. you will need to get a wiring diagram so you have somthing to follow.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

Answer
Check at your switch. it should be a 3 wire switch. One is hot, one is for high beam and one is for low beam. Check the low beam side of the switch to see if you have power going to the headlamp. If not then you probably have a bad switch. If you do then follow the wire to the headlamp until you find the short.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike