Bad Earth/Ground

[Bruno]

I've suddenly started to get what I think may be a bad earth, when running if I flick the indicators on there is a slight Dimmer/flicker in the front and rear lights. if I cancel the indicators the lights are ok. Where would the bad earth likely to be on the lights or on the Indicators, Any clues to where I might solve this problem.

[seth]

first places to are rear engine earth (on engine breather tower) and big earth conector block (left side above the airbox) all the earths meet there before going back to the battery  and the earth plug that comes off the main battery earth.

[gsxbarmy]

I don't think you have a bad earth at all, although there is no harm in checking as per what Seth says above. Mine did it, and other 14's I have followed do it as well. Essentially when you put the indicators on you are putting a slightly extra load on the charging circuit, which, given the indicators flash, is not constant, so the charging circuit is constantly trying to regulate it. The alternator, as standard on a 14 is not overly large on capacity, it was designed to run at just slightly over the load required by the 14 in normal operation, so is running pretty well at its max most of the time.

What I'm saying is - you have nothing to worry about, what your 14 is doing is quite normal. If you want to check, follow a 14 with standard bulbs (not LED bulbs or an LED light unit) and with standard indicators, and watch the rear light dim slightly when the indicators flash on and brighten as they go off. Its normal.

For those who have fitted LED rear lights / indicators etc, then because they draw less current than standard bulbs, the "dimming" effect is less

[Hooli]

What Barmy said, they all do that sir.

Mind you it gets worse when the battery is on it's way out too.

[Bruno]

Well that's made my day really, because tomorrow (Monday) I was going to run it down to my mates garage for him to take a look at it,and as you all know garages + being a dummy = money. I'm going to take on what Seth said and just check earths are clean, Leave it alone like GSX Barmy said, and finally as Hooli says,  :clapping:I have decided to treat her to a new battery next year before my trip to Spain. Thanks to all for your Tips.

[seth]

just as a part of my maintenance plan i check remover,clean and refit all the connections in the loom including thr headlight every winter after i once had a problem with the earth from the engine years ago.
its all been fine since.

[gsxbarmy]

Glad we could all put your mind to rest (and save you money as well) 

[Gixerkid]

I don't think you have a bad earth at all, although there is no harm in checking as per what Seth says above. Mine did it, and other 14's I have followed do it as well. Essentially when you put the indicators on you are putting a slightly extra load on the charging circuit, which, given the indicators flash, is not constant, so the charging circuit is constantly trying to regulate it. The alternator, as standard on a 14 is not overly large on capacity, it was designed to run at just slightly over the load required by the 14 in normal operation, so is running pretty well at its max most of the time.

What I'm saying is - you have nothing to worry about, what your 14 is doing is quite normal. If you want to check, follow a 14 with standard bulbs (not LED bulbs or an LED light unit) and with standard indicators, and watch the rear light dim slightly when the indicators flash on and brighten as they go off. Its normal.

For those who have fitted LED rear lights / indicators etc, then because they draw less current than standard bulbs, the "dimming" effect is less

Could this be the same as the problem I think/thought/have on mine....
Will the indicators do this to the rear light if the bikes not running aswell...

[Andre]

@Gixerkid Could be the same problem. Questions are: how severe is it, has it done this before, has it become worse?  From what you posted before

12.7volts on resting
14.3 v idle
14.1v at 3000rpm

battery and charging system seem to be ok.

Never noticed it on mine but I don't ride in the dark.

[Gixerkid]

@Gixerkid Could be the same problem. Questions are: how severe is it, has it done this before, has it become worse?  From what you posted before

12.7volts on resting
14.3 v idle
14.1v at 3000rpm

battery and charging system seem to be ok.

Never noticed it on mine but I don't ride in the dark.

Asked a mate of mine to try his tonight as he has standard bulbs in rear lights but led in front...
His does the same....light dims lights bright as the indicators goes on and off..

[Andre]

So no more threads to sell her

Thank you for digging this up

[Gixerkid]

So no more threads to sell her

Thank you for digging this up

No ....she's staying

[grog]

Gixer, never commented but thought you were worrying over nothing. I would still get your battery load tested. Mine doesnt change with indicators on/ off.

[KiwiCol]

Neither do mine, checked them this afternoon.

[Andre]

Mine does it ever so slightly while (engine not running). Well, makes sense since it is a sudden load (3.5 Amp) on the circuit.