Tail Light stays on

Title says it all I started charging the dead battery and noticed when the charger was on the tail light was on even with the key out. The brake switches don't appear to be in the on position. Any help or suggestions would be great

 

First check: disconnect the brake switch from the main harness, see if that makes the problem go away.

Second check: on the front hand brake lever, there is a spring-loaded brass "plunger" that is actuated by the brake hand lever....it's that plunger that either passes current to the tail light (or not). That plunger can get "stuck" into the "on" position after lots of use. A little bit of penetrating oil might free it up, if that is the culprit, but more than likely you''ll need to replace the switch eventually, if that is indeed the problem.......

 

Does your bike have the PARK position on the switch? It's past the lock postition.

It's a european thing for parking bikes. It leaves the light on. Try turning the key one click ot the right.

 

I did that the first week I owned the bike.

How exactly do Europeans NOT drain their batteries? Or is that for just running into the store or something?

 

I don't know. Once I read that on this site I always look to see if they're on before I go leave the bike.

 

If you turn the Ignition Key to the position beyond OFF, ... You place the Bike in PARK ... which leaves the Tail Light ON for Safety in the event you break-down and are parked at the side of the road.

An aged Ignition Switch will let you zip right by OFF without needing to select PARK.

Familiarize yourself with the operation of the Rear Brake Light.
The Rear Brake Switch can be easily adjusted once the Plastic Hex Adjuster is lubed.

The Brake Light can be adjusted to come-on before the Brakes begin to slow you.
A warning to tailgaters.

 

It's a German requirement, I do believe. And I also believe it is for just "running into the store" but honestly, I have no foggy idea.

The problem is, every one of these bikes I've ever encountered had the switch ring printing worn away, so you'd never know it unless you'd owned an '80s Yamaha before, when it was newer.

Luckily, decals can be had, so you can see what it used to look like:

 

no i have an 81 xj650h so its american (made) the problem went away when i turned the blinkers on and it hasn't done that since so i dont know what to tell you guys

 

Fitz is right. It is a German law that all motor vehicles be equipped with a parking light front and rear. And yes, if you leave it on very long the battery goes right into the crapper. DAMHIK

My Beemer has a little round clear bulb in the headlight bucket and it uses the tail light for the rear light. Just about 2 hours to run the battery down.

DUMB!

Loren

 

No, it was made for the American market, in Japan, like all of our bikes. They ALL had the "park" feature.

 

I was under the impression that was a Euro thing, older Benz's had the park
feature will would illuminate the park lamps on whichever side you selected.