Headlight/Starter Switch...

So the other day, my headlight refuses to come on after the bike starts. It has happened before, but it has always resolved itself. This time...nothing. Good thing I have fog lights.

So I start taking things apart. I thought it might be the HID light I just installed but a standard H4 refused to light as well.

Long story shorter; it was the starter switch. It was refusing to return all the way after use. There is a tiny gap between the spot where the light turns off and the starter lights. It was stuck in that spot. It would start but wouldn't light the lights.

A little lube and all is well.

Had the same problem which I understand is a common one. Went to Marcarl's and we took apart and cleaned the starter switch/light switch. There is an excellent post showing step by step pics for this. No problems since then.

Below are guides to cleaning the main handlebar switches on an MKII.

Throttle side switch

http://venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=42433

Clutch side switch

http://venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=42721

Gary

I have had this same problem and it just occurred again. I was debating on weather or not to just buy another switch cluster off ebay but after reading this thread maybe I pull the switch apart and do a better job of cleaning and lubing it.

I have group of CBX owner that I have been getting together with for about 30 years now and inevitably I would end up working on my bike in the parking lot of the hotel. Sure enough last fall we got together and once again I needed to work on my bike in the parking lot at night with a bunch beer drinking consultants helping. After a couple of hours of changing bulbs and running wires one of the smarter consultants (he really has a reputation of being one of the best) suggested that it was most likely the switch since nothing else worked. Sure enough all I had to do was take the switch apart and put it back together and it worked. I jokingly said he fixed it telepathically.