Headlight and tail light not working

Greetings all,
I recently came across this site, and hope someone with a more mechanical mind could help me out.

I have a 1980 750 Maxim that I purchased from my father. The bike runs great. I rode the bike into work today, and noticed that my headlight was out. When I got to work, I went to see if the tail light was out also (which it was). When I press on the brake, the brake lights come on. First thing I thought of was, ok, maybe the fuse is out. So, I went to look at the fuse box, and there was no fuse connection or anything for headlight. Also, the 30 amp fuse for main was gone, and the wires were cut. I'm going to assume that there's fuses wired in somewhere (I hope).
My question is, if the headlight was out (or the tail light) bulb was out, with that effect the other?
Thanks

 

Well considering they both come on with the engine/key turn that is how they are related. Perhaps that circuit has bad wiring and/or the "moved" fuse is blown?
I suggest getting the updated fuse box from Chacal and start redoing the wiring
You might fix and find a few problems along the way...

 

Oh, I should add that the lights worked the last time I drove the bike (last week).

 

Hi - If you add your location, it might be easier to diagnose faults as different markets have different regulations (And wiring to suit!). Standy while I try to find a link!

http://xjdiagrams.thundervalleypower.com/

Here it is! select your bike and if the wiring is a real mess, start at the headlight and work backwards. Does high beam work OR does it work when you press the "Pass" button?

Fuseboxes on XJ's are a weakpoint. If the wires are cut and no new fusebox, examine "Taped up blobs" under the seat - maybe before your dad owned the bike some in-line fuses were fitted?

 

Ok, my location is in Southern Wisconsin. As for the lights. Nothing comes on , and I don't have a "pass button). I'm going to guess that whoever owned the bike before my father did the creative wiring, so I guess I'll have to do some tracing.

 

I'm in the UK where lights can be "Off" "Side" or "Main" (On the right handlebar) with a high/low beam switch on the left handlebar and a flash/pass switch there as well.

Sounds likely the fuse has just blown - check if the instrument lights work?

 

The instrument lights do work. I believe you are correct that it's most likely a blown fuse. Now I just have to find the bugger.

 

Also Check for a broken wire in the ignition... I've had this happen twice to me and both times it was the ignition

 

K, just brainstorming here and not sure, but doesn't the taillight run without a fuse? Originally that is, no telling what PO's did to it of course. It does seem unlikely though he/she/they cut the taillight wiring and added it to the head light fuse.