Fixing the lights

///DAY 555
Time to get something done that I have been postphoning for a very long time. Fixing the low beam on my Suzuki VStrom DL650 from 2005. So time to get my hands dirty and dive straight into some fun detective work.
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[@Bok2022st]

Absolutely showed me everything I needed to know the close-up under the airbox and that little screw under the airbox to the front carburettor was will hidden, I wondered why i couldernt pull off my airbox lol , off completely still can't find the problem with the headlights but your video was a great help and explained a lot of things better than most thank you from a v strom rider in Australia💯👍🇦🇺

[@allenlloyd2662]

Got the same problem , this is a massive help , thanks

[@thomaslubben2021]

Very nice troubleshooting and repair description. You did all the right things. Electrical issues are a real challenge. When I worked at a motorcycle shop many years ago (too many to admit to!), I was the 'expert' on electrical systems because I had the patience and I understood electrical diagrams. I did find that the type of connectors on Suzukis, which I see are still used, were sometimes not up to the current loads they were called upon to transfer. They were/are a bit small. The low beam (2 lights) is a high load. If it were my bike, I would bypass that multiple connector for that circuit, and splice in an insulated spade just for that circuit, in the same location, and protect it with a piece of plastic tubing. I might even consider a relay for the circuit. That is a lot of current for both that connector and for the switch that carries it. When I worked at the shop, I found that connectors such as yours, and 'bullet' connectors on Hondas, were the single most common cause of electrical problems. They became loose (which you fixed with the pliers-very good!) and the added resistance either caused overheating (which you saw), or else they just created an open circuit. For your upcoming trip, I would consider adding to your toolkit some spade connectors, some wire splices, wire, heat shrink tubing, solder, and something to solder with. You do not need the entire iron- just the tip. Heat the tip on the exhaust pipe; when it is hot enough, grab it with a pliers and quickly solder. It is slow, requiring heating between each connection, but this takes up almost no space. When I was young, I remember my dad could not afford a soldering iron, and he had just a tip from one. He would heat it on the stove (cooker) and do just what I described. You can heat it the same way on an exhaust pipe. Requires no electricity.

[@Nora_adventurism]

Good trick! Thanks ☺️

[@newfoundadventures8386]

Had this problem with my bike. No need to remove anything. Turn the handlebars to the right and just reach down. It is there on the left side of the cowling. Very easy fix.

[@dmorgan3244]

There is actually a much easier way to access those connectors. Take the left and right shrouds off, unbolt the radiator and swing the radiator forward out of the way.

[@adisyamadasa4238]

Thank you for the video. as an option I found it easier to remove side plastics and just loosening two bolt holding the radiator to access those small connectors. No need to remove gas tank and air box. 🙏

[@stanaugustowicz8419]

Thanks Nora, watching your video saved me a lot of time and money. I had the identical problem but with Hi beam not working, I normally ride with Hi beam during daylight to be more visible so that's to be expected.

[@joeyates1428]

Great video tutorial. I will be undertaking needed maintenance on the dl1000 in the coming days and part of it will be troubleshooting the low beam lights. Hopefully, issue will not be as in depth as yours, but if so thx for the how to 👍🏿

[@joaoc_PT]

Thanks. Have this same problem, but both low/high beam off, only have passing lights. Worked out a temporary bypass with the right lighs switch.

[@l.s.4626]

cool, didnt know u had a dl650 ♥️

[@richardwhitehead4684]

You might want to look into adding relays for the HL’s. That’s the real problem with these (and many other) bikes. Also, fwiw, when it fails again, you can get to that connector without taking off the tank. But you prob realized that just like I did…😊.

[@shanemouton7606]

thanks for showing this. my issue was the same as yours in the terminals which sit outside the bike on the left side that your assistant gentlemen was messing with to show where the issue originates... With that said and, if you dont mind my asking, what was the purpose of taking the tank off if the wires are externally available with removal of the fairing panel? You saved me a TON of time as i thought thats where i was to look for the issue as well and mine was also those same terminals...

[@richardroy4261]

My low beams are out I watched your video then wiggled the connection on the left side and they went on . Thank you so much. I thought it was the ignition.

[@Nora_adventurism]

Glad it helped🤗

[@WibbyKDX]

Pretty cool. I have an ‘05 with 165,000 miles and have never had this problem. I just picked up an ‘04 DL1000 and it has no low beams

[@mose717]

Good job. The first generation Vstroms are famous for headlight issues. A lot of people (including me) have installed an aftermarket relay so the switch on the handlebar doesn't have to handle all the power.

[@Nora_adventurism]

I am aware of the relay solution, just don’t want to figure it out. Hope it keeps working for now 😖

[@mose717]

Yeah, I put it off too. Turned out to be easier than I thought. I have a fear of making an error that fries something important and expensive.

[@AndyTheBadgerBarton]

Excellent work x

[@motoholota]

What a pain of a job! But when you want something done right you've got to do it yourself. ;)

[@od5338]

hello i have a question the power in my vstrom 650 2012 adventure was out... dash off, lights off, but the baterry is full... do not start... any suggestion?

[@mihaildraganov1045]

Interestingly enough I know where that connector is (proud DL1000 owner here :D) and you could've just removed the left side cover to get to that :D Still though - a great disassembly video :) Keep on riding girl!

[@Nora_adventurism]

You live and you learn

[@mihaildraganov1045]

@@Nora_adventurism Very true :)

[@moaltintas6459]

Hi Mihail, I have the same issue with my 2003 DL 1000. And I found about the same connector on the left side in the “cheek” and it was still not working. But when I stick my fingers to the connectors under the tank, the lights sometimes comes on, is there any way to get there without dissembling the whole top side?

[@DrippaDome-98]

Hey Nora you should do your previous journey from Europe to Asia again but this time with your boyfriend. Also I really want to see Pakistan. My dad made a simiar journey with his cousins by car from England to Pakistan. After a couple weeks he drove all the way back to England.

[@Nora_adventurism]

Hmmm, maybe later in life

[@keepsmiling5937]

You mean online? add me on snap and I will share with you. shaheryar666

[@alvarofuentes4447]

Thanks, very helpful

[@joseantoniomanchadonieto4463]

Buen video podías limpiar l todos los sensores con limpia contactos

[@JoaoPereira-sx4qb]

Where did you find the diagram ?

[@Chris64France]

Great job! I don't think I would be able to do the same!

[@cloggsy1971]

Well done for tackling this job on your own, I'm sure it was easier with two pairs of hands instead of one? Well done Jojo 😀

[@Miixalis]

hello, i have the same bike,same model ,same color and same problem with my headlights . First time burning cable in connector in the left side close to the clocks , after two months burning the cable in connector down close to the refrigerator ... After one month again burn my cable up in the left side of the bike !!! Every time i fix the burning cable and after one or two months burning the cable for the headlights !!!! i dont find where is the problem ! Sory for my poor english but i hope to understand

[@ashrafc7794]

I got into an accident. Pretty sure I’ll need to do this once I connect my new round headlight

[@mrniceguy4920]

hoe stel je die lampen bij verticaal? draai je de stelschroef linksom of rechtsom?

[@TheMegamsp]

Hello Nora. How many kms your V-Strom has done?

[@nurdiono6588]

When the day has just begun, Ander the town wakes up from a night with lots of fun Making many friends with the soumd of my bare hands, the language everybody speakes. Couse who has gold, but stone to share, will not come that far in life or anywhere. Important things in live are your friends and lovely wife, live today like its your last one. I'm kong of the road, i am king of the road. Music is my money and my story will be told. That life is like a sound that makes us all together bound, let it out let it hear let it sing, let it sing. Ooooooh get up get out smell adventure in the air. You dont need to go far couse you're already there. Fall and you will learn make it work and you will earn the price of life it self. I'm not just a man, i'm a rock in minivan, i'm proud of who I am. I'm king of the road... etc Good luck with sing along! Cheers, The Jolly Mangos

[@jflemo85]

It's awesome to see a lady getting in there and giving it a go. I can't even get my girlfriend to check her tyre pressures. She has no interest. Any ideas how to get her interested? Is there anything in particular that got you interested in doing your own work?

[@b_wilk98]

Hi there fellow 650 V Strom owner here. I have been having occasional issues with my speedometer. It will bounce when accelerating. Is this an issue you’ve ever ran into and what did you do to fix it?

[@richardrichard5409]

Speedo sensor is failing

[@demetrimusic283]

Yes, the magnet in the speed sensor needs replacing. I just did mine!

[@SirKnobofCheese]

Just wondering do you have some sort of yearly roadworthy test in the Netherlands?

[@Nora_adventurism]

No there is not for motorcycles

[@SirKnobofCheese]

Thanks for answering. In the UK we have a thing called the MOT which most vehicles (including Motorbikes) have to pass every year.

[@petecurran3995]

Nice job 👍🏻 I have a 2015 with 25000km so no electrical funny stuff...... YET!

[@Nora_adventurism]

I hate electrics. So far never had a cable break so I’m dreading the day that happens.

[@jflemo85]

Given the conditions our bikes are ridden in, it's a matter of time. I reckon cleaning all connectors should be part of a maintainence schedule. I just did all mine while doing valve clearances but I missed cleaning the starter button contacts which have lead to my headlight issues.

[@Thelondonersstory]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dimitarkovacev179]

Hy Nora! It looks a pain in the a** job... :-)

[@Nora_adventurism]

That’s why I had been postponing it for so long 🤓

[@BRDXB]

First of all I pray for you from God. That God may protect you. Secondly, I solit your motivation. If life is wiped, I will definitely meet you one day. I want to meet a brave girl in the world before I die. God accept my prayer. Take care of yourself. You adventure, I pray you. My self Muhammad Rafi From Pakistan Owner R2riders Club

[@elderstatesman9932]

Forget all those superstitious ancient stories about God. All religions are false. Just enjoy your life as it is.

[@turinhorse]

I'll be your Sookie. Dutch girls... wow

[@shanekeat7473]

Not my issue unfortunately, mine looks perfect

[@OkaraRailography]

🇵🇰 Missssing You

[@thezaibkhan2684]

:)

[@ZEDVLOGS]

Wanna sell the bike ?

[@Nora_adventurism]

No! He’s my buddy!

[@DrippaDome-98]

Nora do you smoke weed

[@Nora_adventurism]

No