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The next installment of our T-CLOCS check covers the lights and electrics. This includes the battery, headlight, tail light/ brake light, turn signals, switches, mirrors, lenses and reflectors, and the wiring harness.
When you check your battery, you want to make sure that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion (usually looks like white powdery residue) and you also want to make sure that the connections are tight. A loose connection on the battery can cause a short or a dead battery. If you have an older water filled battery you want to check the electrolyte levels. To do this you have to pull the battery and look at the liquid levels through battery casing. This is probably obsolete with the popularity of gel and glass mat (AGM) batteries. It’s always a good idea at the beginning of the riding season or once a year to pull the battery out and have it tested. A good battery should always pull 12 volts and anywhere from 300 to 600 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) depending on the brand. The CCA will be listed on the battery case and is what the battery puts out to initially start the bike. The more electronics you have the more CCA’s you want.
Next is your headlight. You want to check for cracks in the lens or in the reflector behind the bulb or LED diodes. Check to make sure that the headlight is securely fastened into the mounting ring…. Trust me on this I left a headlight on I84 in Pennsylvania because I didn’t check it! Your headlight needs to be properly adjusted both left and right and for height. An ill adjusted headlight will not be of much help to you at night, and if it is blinding oncoming traffic, could cause an accident. To check adjustment you can pull up to a garage door or wall and note where the center of the beam is hitting. Once you have it adjusted properly and its where you want, put a piece of tape or mark on the wall so you can always check it quickly when you start your bike.
When inspecting your tail lights/ brake light its similar to checking your headlight. You want to look for cracks and that the lights are clean and visible. It is also important to check for any condensation or moisture inside the lens, this can cause a short or can cause connections to become corroded. Check to make sure that everything is mounted securely and that the brake light comes on when either the front or rear brake, and also both at the same time are applied. This can be done similarly to checking your headlight, if you can’t see your taillight while sitting on your bike back up to a wall or solid object and look for the light to get brighter when the brakes are applied.
Your turn signals should be bright, visible and flash correctly when applied. Turn signals that do not flash correctly can be indicative of a bad fuse or relay or even a battery issue. You want to make sure that they are securely fastened to the bike and that they are clean, visible and free of condensation in the lens. You can check your turn signals at the same time as you check your tail light and in the same manner. When checking turn signals, be sure to check both the front and back. I like to periodically check mine if I’m riding at night too, just to make sure that I’m staying visible and that my intentions are known to the vehicles around me.
Mirrors should be checked and adjusted EVERYTIME you ride. It is very easy for someone to bump or move them. You want to make sure that your mirrors are clean and have no cracks in them, and also that they are securely mounted. A loose mirror is not only frustrating but dangerous if you can’t see behind you, and if you mirror were come off while riding, it becomes a hazard for everyone behind you. Remember riding a passenger or having luggage on your bike will affect your mirrors, be sure to check and adjust them as necessary!
Lastly check switches and wiring. You want to make sure all your switches are functioning properly, this include your engine shut off, turn signals and your hi/low beam for the headlight. If you have gotten this far in your check you will have already made sure these are all working. When checking the wiring look to make sure that nothing is getting pinched or causing inference with the steering or suspension. Make sure that there is no fraying, chafing or cracks in the wire insulation, and that the wires are properly secured with wire looms or ties. Lastly make sure that the connections are tight and clean and free of any obvious corrosion. If the connections are loose or showing signs of wear have them replaced. If the connections are corroded take them apart and clean them with electrical component cleaner, then reassemble with some dielectric grease. If they are damaged from corrosion have them replaced.
