Headlight Switch

[MD-ClarkHicks]

It’s only a stupid question if you don’t know the answer?
And at the minute I don’t know the answer, go easy.
Just bought my first Super Ten, Gen 1, having made the switch from a Pan European, not been out due to the lockdown restrictions.
I can’t see the switch to turn head light off completely? Just to side lights.
As soon as ignition is on sidelight and headlight (low beam) are on, switch flicks fine between low and high beam, but is there no switch to turn the headlight off.
I am mechanically competent having built an old school bobber from scratch inc bespoke wiring loom.
But this simple issue is baffling me, maybe lockdown is to blame.
Please put me out of my misery!

 

[Boris]

There is no headlight off switch. I believe, but am not certain, that current law states that EU sold bikes must have some lights on permanently. At some point after about 2005, headlight on/off switches started to disappear from bikes sold here in the UK.

 

[mcycle-nut]

I don't believe it's made to be turned off, at least not on the Canadian versions. Why would you want to turn it off? It's safer to ride with it on.

 

[Superraid]

No off switch for the headlight on these, ignition on puts sidelights on, start bike headlight on.

 

[MD-ClarkHicks]

I don't believe it's made to be turned off, at least not on the Canadian versions. Why would you want to turn it off? It's safer to ride with it on.

Because with LED sidelights they are brighter enough for daytime use.

 

[MD-ClarkHicks]

There is no headlight off switch. I believe, but am not certain, that current law states that EU sold bikes must have some lights on permanently. At some point after about 2005, headlight on/off switches started to disappear from bikes sold here in the UK.

Thanks, yes my Pan European was slightly older so you could turn them off, didn’t think about the EU rules

 

[MD-ClarkHicks]

There are no factory headlight switches on the ST in the US that allow you to turn the headlights completely off. You have a stationary low beam position, a stationary high beam position, and a momentary high beam position. You'll need to do some of your own work to build-in an off switch.

Thanks, may look into that

 

[bimota]

yep,

another UK owner here but no off switch side lights come on with ignition on main lights come on when starter pressed no off switch

rob

 

[Sierra1]

I can't remember when the US went "always on", and did away with the switch. At least the Japanese bikes imported to the US. I think HD kept the on/off switch for awhile, and may still have it. Cop bikes are the only ones that I know of that can be turned completely off. That all be said, I think most states, if not all, require headlights on at all times.

Superraid is right, the headlights shouldn't come on until the motor starts. Running/marker lights come on with the key.