77 XS650 Blowing tail lights

pittcafe · Jun 26, 2016

My recently acquired XS started blowing tail lights. The bike only had 2500 miles on it. All the connections look new but are original. I can get about 2 hours of riding in and my tail light blows. Any suggestions? Thank you

Grinder · Jun 26, 2016

Throw a volt meter on the battery and check to see that your charging system isn't over charging. Should be around 14-14.5 volts at 3K rpms.

retiredgentleman · Jun 26, 2016

pittcafe said:
My recently acquired XS started blowing tail lights. The bike only had 2500 miles on it. All the connections look new but are original. I can get about 2 hours of riding in and my tail light blows. Any suggestions? Thank you

What year is the bike, and which type alternator are you using? Still using the stock regulator and rectifier, or has it been changed over to a PMA?

weekendrider · Jun 27, 2016

RG I'm thinking it is a 77 with the OEM system, but we'll see what the OP says.

pittcafe are you losing both elements or just the tail light? You've checked the bullet connector under seat to make sure it isn't bare/exposed?

vincejames · Jun 27, 2016

Also check for exposed wires causing a short.

77 XS650 Blowing tail lights

pittcafe

XS650 New Member

Grinder

XS650 Guru

retiredgentleman

XS650 Guru

weekendrider

Iron Horse cowboy

vincejames

XS650 Addict

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