Motorcycle Repair: HEADLIGHT 2004 ZRX1200R, motorcycle headlights, headlight circuit

Question
DOES THE HEADLIGHT COME ON AS SOON AS YOU TURN ON THE KEY, OR NOT UNTIL THE ENGINE STARTS? JUST BOUGHT THIS BIKE AS A REPAIRABLE, HEADLIGHT WAS SMASHED, THOUGHT MAYBE THE HEADLIGHT RELAY WAS BAD, IF I JUMP FROM HOT LEAD TO YELLOW WIRE ON RELAY THE LIGHT COMES ON AND WORKS PERFECT ON HIGH AND LOW BEAM TILL I SHUT THE KEY OFF THEN NOTHING.   ANY IDEA?  THANKS

Answer
Hi Dean,

After 1981, motorcycle headlights remained always on.

Headlights are designed to come on when the ignition key is positioned to the Run position. The light should stay lighted until the engine start button is depressed.

The headlight should go out during starting. This allows maximum electrical current to flow to the starter motor. Oncve the engine starts or the start buttom is released, the headlight come on again.

Relays are realy simple devices. A relay is used in the headlight circuit to cause the light to go out when the starter button is used.

I don't see any problems with your relay as tested and described.

I return tech files by email. There was no email address with your question as requested. If you want tech files, advise.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively