Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: Darvin Jahnke on March 27, 2013, 07:39:36 pm

Title: What Turns The Light On?
Post by: Darvin Jahnke on March 27, 2013, 07:39:36 pm

I have an 03 500 Bullet and the headlight only comes on when the engine is running. I'm curious as to how it is wired to accomplish this. I have a manual with a wiring diagram but some of the printing is fuzzy and some of the wire colors are different than mine. I was wondering if it is wired directly to the alternator or is there some type of current activated switch? I read somewhere about an AC-DC system. Again,how does this work other than running the AC through a rectifier to charge the battery. Sorry for all the questions but I'm not at all familiar with RE electrics and I like to know how things work. Thanks for any help.

Title: Re: What Turns The Light On?
Post by: ace.cafe on March 27, 2013, 08:10:31 pm

Yes, it is wired to a separate AC winding off the alternator.
A light bulb can run equally well off AC or DC.

Title: Re: What Turns The Light On?
Post by: Darvin Jahnke on March 27, 2013, 08:33:57 pm

Thanks Ace. On all my other later model bikes the light comes on when you turn the key on including the ones with electric start. The Bullet has ES (which I never use) but maybe they're trying to save all the battery power for the starter and the ign. system.