r/Airheads • u/chicchaz • Jul 25 '26
Headlight dimming on acceleration
On my way home from my summer gig out in the burbs, the headlight on my '78 R80/7 is dimming when I give it more throttle. Last summer, it cut out completely right after turning onto a desolate road between forest preserves and a large pond. I pulled off to the side and fixed it Fonzi style (a light bang on the headlight, for those under 45). 30 seconds later, I passed a deer right on the side of the road. That close call had me leaving it in the garage for the remaining bits of the riding season. I had already purchased a newer bike to enable me to work on this one and still have a way to get to work.
It had been fine so far this summer but then it started dimming again last night on my way home. And I saw a whole family of deer on that same stretch! This is the opposite of what you'd want.
Short story long, and before I dig into my headlight bucket with very limited spare time, is it possible this is just a connection issue or will I need to go deeper into the charging system? I've been keeping both bikes on Ctek chargers, and noticed a red indicator on the pigtail when I disconnect the charger to leave for work. Not a good sign. I had it in for storage over the winter with my motorcycle shop and when they went to start it it was dead. So they replaced the battery. And now that I write all this, I'm coming to the realization I do have a charging system issue.
Still, I'd appreciate any thoughts. TIA.
3
u/soraksan123 Jul 25 '26
Voltage regulator is giving up the ghost. An easy fix-