I have a 1974 R-75/6. The starter (Nippondenso) was not turning over, but I had headlight and turn signals. I replaced the relay and the starter was working well. All my lights worked and I went for a ride. During the ride I noticed I could not see my headlight, so I signalled as I pulled off the road to check it out. Turns out none of the headlight and turn signals were not working. The instrument cluster lights, rear brake light and starter all work normally.
Any ideas?
First, we assume you checked the 2 fuses inside the headlamp shell. If they are not blown, then spin them in their sockets by rubbing your finger across them.
Secondly, a motorcycle has to be the worst environment possible for electrical connections. What with wind-blown water, ice, fuel, searing heat, freezing cold, road salts, etc, etc. You get the picture. It's a wonder they are reliable as they are. Anyway, over time the brass and copper terminals corrode due to age and the presence of water.
I highly suggest you procure a small tube or cup of a product called "No-Ox" (made by Sanchem) off Ebay or Amazon. This paste cuts though the oxidation on the terminals that impedes the electrical flow. When you get your paste, unplug each terminal one at a time, place a very small dab of the paste on one of the terminals, and slide the connectors back on same terminal. This goes for every connection inside the headlamp bucket and all the connections under the fuel tank. Relays, fuses, and all. Things will magically start to work again! And due to the paste, they will remain working.
Hope this helps.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
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