Bizarre electrical fault

[Willdat?]

Kia ora, new to bike stuff,
1988 Honda GL145 has just been revinned, riding for my first proper night ride last night and I noticed that though my lights passed a warrant they are pathetically dim (only just visible on the road). But when I squeeze the front brake they give a much more car like glow. I would have though the extra draw from the brake light would make the headlight dimmer?

[CookMySock]

Maybe you have an ground wire disconnected from the frame somewhere.

Steve

[Willdat?]

But surely that would mean the lights would not go at all? And why would squeezing the brake light make it brighter?

[slimjim]

by the brake wiring may be crossed over and when you apply brake its cutting the power to brake light and allowing current to flow to headlight..

[bungbung]

It's a grounding problem. The loom has lots of bullet connectors that can corrode if they get damp. I had a similar problem with the indicators misbehaving. Also, check that all of the other bulbs have intact filaments, strange things can happen with blown bulbs.

The main loom connections are behind the headlight, but they're quite well protected from moisture. The connectors I had trouble with are under the seat near the taillight. Look out for greenish discolouration, if you see it then use some sandpaper to clean it off. You can use a smear of petroleum jelly to protect the surface before reassembling.

Good luck

[munterk6]

As above...right on the money

[Willdat?]

Rear bulb, filament out, onto the next problem!