Hi all,

Honestly I'm new to the estrella world and I'm from Srilanka, I got my self an old bike and started to restore and modify it. I recently noticed My estralla headlights does NOT turn on when I turn on my ignition key but it lights up soon as I press the self start and after that it stays on even if I cut off the engine and leave the key in on. Have you guys had any similar issues.

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

Hi Mallcolm,
That sounds strange indeed.
However, we don't know the modifications to your motorcycle in order to suggest a solution to the problem.
There are many options.
Greetings to Srilanka

what is about your battery...empty?

maybe the alternator has ben connected to the headlight and the light switch shut down.
We can only guess ... without knowing the facts.

@ella Thanks for the response, It's a stock version, as far as I can see there are no modifications, also if it's connected to the altenator shouldn't it turn off when I cut off the engine, coz after the first start the head light stays on when the key is in on position.

@Rolf Gehrke since the self start and the signal light was working fine I didn't consider the battery. But I will try changing the battery as well.

you are right....it is not probably the battery if the starter and so on works....mea culpa
is there a relais somewhere? which gets its current from the alternator and switches the headlight?

It sounds strange, but I see no problem, if the headlight is switched on, as soon as the engine runs. And turns off, when yuo pull the key.

Hi Mallcolm,
I aquireed a 1997 Estrella about five months ago and have noticed the same operation of the headlamp. I would suppose that the system is set up so that when you turn the ignition on there are no other electrical load on the battery when the starter is operated. I would suggest that the Japanese may have requirement that the headlamp is permanently 'ON' when the bike is being ridden rather like Sweden does in Europe.
Regards Norbritt.