Euro Switch pod

[Lucky]

In case some of you weren't aware, EU Visions have some minor differences, many of which are listed on XV's webpage. One i hadn't really noticed was that EU Visions have the ability to turn off their lights.

I long ago bypassed my kill switch to use for a headlight switch (the bike was new, starting was a problem) Come to find out years later, that in doing so, i was running my lights off my ignition curcit (Doh!)

Talking to Rick G on the phone last month i mentioned this to him & he told me he had a RH switchpod that he got from Humber (in Poland) that had a switch built in for the lights.  we did some horse trading & yesterday the switchpod arrived.

i took it apart to clean the electricals, & ended up painting it as well. pic is below.

I also have to figure out how to wire this puppy in, as it has two connectors (4 wire & 3 wire) as opposed to our single 6 connector.  i've been studying the EU wiring diagrams Haynes thoughtfully provided in the manual, & i think i've got it figured out without too much hacking.

one other intersting thing i've noted is that the EU Left side switchpod, according to the wire diagram, has a 'Flash to pass' feature... hmmm  ;) ;)

--Lucky

[Tiger]

 :) Lucky, I have one of those to, but its not installed on my "V" 'cause of the wiring ::) Please let me know "how to" once you have it figured out ;)

                8).......TIGER....... 8)

[GT @ oh.]

Isn't it a law for bikes that you must have your light on all the time ???

[ironb12s]

You can prolly swap your 6 pin connector for most of the 7 in the 2 connectors on the new part, and have to worry about the last.  It'd likely be the missing ground for a switched headlight, just have to run a new ground to the headlight, and isolate it on that ground.  That's just my WAG, not having either diagram in front of me.   :-\

Time to print out the wiring diags for both of them and go over with a fine tooth comb (I wonder what FTC really refers to?) to discern the differences...   :)

I replaced the Power Distribution Block and main harness in my Exploder, is why I suspect that the 7th is a ground...for a relay, perhaps?

[ironb12s]

Well, daytime running lights has become a defacto standard for just about all motorized vehicles, but I'm not sure about it being law...

[Lucky]

I can change out the 6 connector for the wires on the new pod, they will go in the same places & i won't need the 7th wire because of the differences: EU wiring has the parking (tail) lights on a seperate curcit from the headlight. the headlight on the EU curcit DOES NOT cut out when you press the start button. the 7th wire on the EU curcit provides power to the tail light. since ours are already wired for that, i'm going to use that wire to power the 1157's in the front that i currently have tapped into the curcit for my 12v Aux socket.

most states require a headlight be on all the time on a motorcycle, a few do not.  my reason for wanting it is for starting reasons.  my engine has allways been 'tight'.  most every vision i've ever heard start seems to spin over easier than mine. i've been thru everything short of checking the piston rings & bearings. including valve adjustment. never found a reason for it, i've come to accept it & not sweat it.

the other reason is that my bike has always been cold blooded, & no amount of tuning, lighter weight oil, valve adjustment has ever made a bit of difference, so any extra spin i can get on the starter, i'll take.  turning the lights off & not pulling the surface charge off the battery helps there.

plus it's cool, U.S. Visions don't have that switch  ;D ;D

[kiwibum]

The XZ400 here in NZ has the "OFF" for the lights on the RHS pod and the flash to pass on the left. Being able to turn the lights off is a definite plus for starting, I can tell just by the noise on turning it over if I left the lights on. I have spares of these if anyone is interested. Funny seeing this post as I just got emailed these photos today of my yet to be collected XZ400 with full fairing:-).

[Lucky]

Ok, that answers a question for me. your 'flash to pass' is our high/low beam. the only other differences i can see are:

• German/EU XZ's don't have starting curcit (safety) relays
• your "start" buttons don't kill the headlights when pressed
• German the key switch powers the lights in lock/on
• EU key switch powers the lights in on/park

Minor dfferences to be sure, but noteworthy none the less.

--Lucky

[QBS]

U.S. DoT regulations mandate that all MCs must have full time lights on to be legal for initial retail sale in the U.S.A.  State regulations vary regarding after sale operation.  Most, if not all, U.S. bikes have a relay activated headlight cut out system that automatically deactivates the headlight thereby making more amperage available for starter motor usage when cranking.  In the U.S. V this feature not only deactivates the headlight, but all other lights as well.

[Night Vision]

.....your 'flash to pass' is our high/low beam....

nope, the "flash to pass" is an additional / separate switch above the high/low beam toggle switch... it's small and activated by your left pointer finger as opposed to the high beam switch activated by your left thumb.....

granted, it serves the same purpose, but it's kinda like the horn botton...

beep... beep

flash.. flash...

moo moov over

[kiwibum]

Yip NV is correct, my mistake, the switch at top on LHS pod is high/low beam toggle NOT flash to pass, appologies for confusion. Don't remember if bike has flash to pass.

[Rick G]

The reason I would like  a manual head light switch , is in case of stator failure,  I would not have to disassemble the head light  to inactivate  to reduce load  and increase chances of making it home . I run with my lights on in any event. Also it would feel good to return a little control back to me and a little less to BIG brother!

[Lucky]

ok, i think i see something in Kiwi's pic, but now Kiwi & NV have confused me...

[kiwibum]

Sorry Lucky :(
Checked my bike on the way home, yes it does have "flash to pass button" operated by index finger on front of LHS pod (not shown in photo). Photo only shows "high/low beam" rocker switch above "turn signal switch". Hope that helps.

[Night Vision]

ok, i think i see something in Kiwi's pic, but now Kiwi & NV have confused me...

look at your left switch pod... right above the toggle switch for the high beam is a flat casting above the words "lights" (if you still have the white letters)...

now imaging a little button on that casting that you can reach with your index finger to press the euro "flash to pass switch"

[QBS]

Rick! Stop! Move away from that headlight.  Remove the headlight fuse under the seat instead.

[Rick G]

Hi Q ! i assumed that the  fuse HL fuse also powered other things , possably the brake light . i guess I'll have to check it out . Thanks for the  suggestion

[achie]

plus it's cool, U.S. Visions don't have that switch

hello everyone! I just got my V last month and mine came with the on off switch for the headlight...looked at the connections and everything seems original.  I am in CA btw.

[Lucky]

mine looks like it came stock too, but it didn't on U.S. versions.

[kwells]

According to the AMA website the states that I checked out...CO, FL, AK, AL, CA....(just perusing) lights are only have to be on AFTER sunset.