Headlight Question

[bul_racer]

1980 XS650 SG. I think the headlight is supposed to come on when the bike is running. It doesn't. If I momentarily short the blue and red connectors on the safety relay I get headlights and instrument lights. If I turn the key off and start again then I get no headlight, etc. My question is why does making this temporary short cause the lights to work? Why does it continue working after the short is terminated and why doesn't it work after I shut it off and start again? Is it safe to permanently short the connections, should I replace the relay or?

 

[Jonas1ne]

The relay is supposed to turn the headlight on when it receives a signal from the alternator. By briefly shorting those wires, you’re manually triggering the relay, which is why the lights come on and stay on until the bike is shut off.
Most likely causes are:
Bad safety relay
Missing alternator trigger signal
Wiring/connector issue
A permanent bypass is usually safe and will make the headlight come on with the key, but it’s worth checking the relay and alternator signal first.

 

[bul_racer]

The relay is supposed to turn the headlight on when it receives a signal from the alternator. By briefly shorting those wires, you’re manually triggering the relay, which is why the lights come on and stay on until the bike is shut off.
Most likely causes are:
Bad safety relay
Missing alternator trigger signal
Wiring/connector issue
A permanent bypass is usually safe and will make the headlight come on with the key, but it’s worth checking the relay and alternator signal first.

Great! I thought it would be safe to bypass but wanted to get another opinion. Many Thanks!