Reserve Lighting Unit/Headlight Relay Delete

[BSAKat]

So, as a long-time XS850 owner, I know that the old RLU/HR delete is a common and easy to perform mod. Is it the same for the XS650s? The parts are old and known trouble spots, so I reckon it probably is. If so, what's the forum-approved process for deleting the RLU and the Headlight Relay?

 

[5twins]

Well, there is a common way to eliminate the RLU, which many of us do .....

http://www.excess650.co.uk/tips & tricks.htm

..... but most of us leave the headlight relay. If you eliminate that, you have to wire the headlight direct on the later models so it's always on. Unless you add in an on-off switch like the '78 and earlier models had. I did so on my '83 and couldn't be happier. It's just plain silly to have all the lights on all the time in my opinion. Maybe not so much when riding but when the bike is parked and you're servicing it, or during electric starting, it's silly to have all the lights on. They serve no purpose other than to put more draw on the battery.

 

[BSAKat]

Ah, right on. Thanks. I might grab a '78 switch box, then, to get an on/off switch for the headlight.

 

[member28833]

BSAkat, what model XS650 ? Light checker removal as well I assume..

 

[BSAKat]

BSAkat, what model XS650 ? Light checker removal as well I assume..

'79 SF. Is the light checker not the headlight relay? Is there another piece of electronic wizardry in the loom I don't know about? Yeesh.

 

[member28833]

Lucky

 

[BSAKat]

Ugh! UGH! Thanks a heap, Yamaha.

Seriously, though. Thanks for the heads up on that, Machine, and thanks for the wiring diagrams.

 

[5twins]

The light checker monitors your tail and brake light. There is a separate headlight safety relay under the right side cover that controls headlight function. That relay is part of a double relay assembly that also includes one for the electric starter. Here's a write-up on how I added a headlight on-off switch to my '83. Your '79 would be similar but differ slightly .....

http://www.xs650.com/threads/retrofitting-headlight-on-off-switch-to-81-83-model.58167/

I was able to get headlight power from it's fuse up into the headlight bucket utilizing existing unused wires in my harness. I don't think you have those wires so you might have to run one.