Isolator Switch for Headlamp

[delsol]

In around 6 weeks time I’m off to a rather remote location, no garages, no shops and even worse than that – no pub.

I’m taking a CG125, the battery is very small and the headlight soaks up a lot of battery charging power.

I will be doing a lot of very short, slow speed, stop\start journeys, I’m sure the battery will give out if I leave the headlight to come on every time I start up. No kick start on this model.

Electricity is available, but I would need to carry my own battery charger; I need to save weight and space for necessities, i.e. beer and fuel; and other emergency essentials (more booze).

Can anyone recommend a good waterproof isolator switch (and a good mounting point location)? I don’t intend to remove said switch after the trip.

Any alternative suggestions really appreciated.

Thanks for any help,
delsol

[Ichy]

How about attaching one of these to the back of the bike https://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-12v-2.4w-battery-trickle-charger-223251?c=froogle&u=223251&t=module

Learn to bump start the bike.

FWIW and it might be rubbish, 12v electrics don't need to be waterproof, its how the cheap electric subs carry on working despite taking on water. Look on Maplin for a switch that will fit on the bike.
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[kramdra]

learn to bump start. often easyer than kick starting.

the lights are usually a seperate winding anyway, wont affect charging.

[delsol]

Thanks Marki,

The solar powered charger is a good idea, but I really need to minimise the amount of kit I carry (my little battery charger weighs less and takes up less space than the solar option).

I was hoping that someone could give me a link to a suitable switch, say handlebar mounted, something that blends in with existing switches and reliable long term.

When I try a web-search I end up with bathroom light fittings etc., probably because I don't know the correct terminology to use

cheers
delsol

[neatbik]

Try Vehicle wiring products ltd.
I cant access their website at the mo but chances are they have what you seek.

[Teflon-Mike]

Does the bike not have an 'on off' switch for the head lamp?
(not being dense, my VF tho doesn't have one, dip is 'hard wired' as an export model)

Anyway, two thoughts; first, honda did a lot of very careful calculation when they designed the electrical system; sizing the generator output and the battery capacity, and the headlamp wattage, and designed as a 'commuter' presumed the bike would spend most of its life doing 'short hops'.

In practice CG's have been used for many years by training schools, with the lights left always 'on', and the engines off for very long periods, and the e-start hammered, starting up between every pep talk..... and they haven't often had to resort to bump starting or jump starting them......

If all is as it should, as in you haven't loaded the thing up with umpety electrical accessories, like heated grips, portable fridge for your beer, monster watt headlamp bulb and festooned it with spots and neons..... NO REASON to believe that the battery shouldn't cope.....

Unless its fecked.

In which case, £20 to get a new one, would be a prudent investment, rather than WAITING until it starts giving you jip to think about it.......

Meanwhile..... if you REALLY want a headlamp switch.....

Old fasioned bikes had a hole drilled in the top of the headlamp shell, and a Lucas 'toggle' switch bolted through it.

headlamp should be 55w ish, which at 12v, Power = Volts x Amps, gives you roughly a 5a current draw. any suitable switch with a rating over that, maybe 6a to be on the safe side, splced into the headlamp bulb wire would do the job.

Really you only need it spliced onto the 'dipped' beam feed, which would still allow the high beam to work, when switched 'off' so 'flash' would still iluminate one filliment.

Alternatively, if you switched the 'common' earth to the bulb, it would isolate both filliments, without needing a double pole switch... BUT, you'd need one with a current rating probably around 12-15A, as the earth carries both filliment currents on 'pass', and possibly also side light.
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[delsol]

[delsol]

Hi Teflon-Mike,

EDIT: No the bike does not have seperate switch for the headlamp, headlamp stays off though whilst the starter motor is turning.

That's just the kind of information that will help me to make an informed purchase, read your reply once and didn't understand a fookin word of it .

Will read and re-read till it sinks in though.

Cheers

[delsol]

[Ichy]

https://motorbikejackets.org.uk/product/4/10032918/Motorcycle-Handlebar-Switch-On-Off-12v-55amp.html

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-UNIVERSAL-ON-OFF-KILL-SWITCH-BUTTON-22mm-HANDLEBARS-/200590516130?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2eb4205fa2

Better?
____________________
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[neatbik]

No worries mate.

Where are you going anyway..?

[delsol]

[kramdra]

holy shit £14!

tbh, get a standard switch, from a proper electrics shop, and find somewhere to mount it. usually just a case of drilling a hole, filing it out.

https://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Switches/Rocker-Switches