Ignition switch - is this a good fix

[Sou'wester]

Please excuse my electriacl ignorance but if I can understand the cause I will have better understanding of the failure and remedy:

Am I currect in deducing from the comments made that the headlights draw sufficient current to cause connection breakdown in some way? I.e. the relay/connection is not capable of performing to a sufficient sandard to allow the lights to function simultaneously and continuosly during the time the ignition is in the on position.

Am I also correct in surmising that Triumph have taken steps in the past to minimise the problem but have not been wholly successful as the problem still persists, all be it not so prevalently?

And finally, is carying out the replacement of the wiring (as per the second post) found to be the best and most successful remedy to the persistant fault according to the general concesus of those in the know on this site?

 

[Blastedbones]

Sou'Wester you are correct in those suppositions. IDK's reply covers the reasons in detail.
The eastern beaver headlight relay kit is the way to go, you can tell if you need it , by holding the loom that goes to the ignition barrel, when the bike has been idling for a few mins.. is it hot enough to burn your hand?( mine was!... pre Beaver mod)

 

[Sou'wester]

Thank you both for your replies. Now that I have the problem will it suffice to buy and fit the Beaver kit or will I also now need to replace the ignition switch again?

 

[Blastedbones]

If your ignition switch is currently working, just fit the Beaver & all should be ok.

 

[Sou'wester]

Thanks

 

[RocketEd]

I too am now suffering from this problem, my VIN number is long after the numbers listed on the PDF and I remeber seeing the cut wires when last the tank was up. It's just ruined my holiday in Scotland and caused huge problems getting home. I have already had one ignition switch replaced about 8 months ago when the bike was still in warranty but the problem seems to have come back with vengeance.

Any suggestions as to what I should be doing next? My dealer wants to have the bike in for an examination and won't get any parts in until they have carried out inspection (not in warranty anymore) but I don't want to be spending three limbs worth of money letting them have a "look".

Sou'wester, I don't know what model/year bike you're riding, but here's my 2 cents: I have a 2010 Roadster bought in May 2010, which means it was built prior to at least one wiring update to the Roadsters. The first update was done when part of my loom was replaced under warranty after my starter relay melted. I then got a recall notice to have the factory headlight relay system installed that is intended to save the ignition switch. By this time I'd already installed the Eastern Beaver kit, and after looking at the factory's system I elected to keep the much simpler Eastern Beaver system which runs directly off the battery and only uses the stock loom for switching. That was over 8000 miles ago and I'm convinced it's the better solution.

 

[Sou'wester]

Thanks Ed, mine is a late 2009 Rocket 3, last of the standards before the Roadster kicked in. I thank you for your 2 cents and will make enquiries at my Triumph dealer regarding possible recals that may have been missed and see what has been done to the bike when they check the records.

 

[barbagris]

Thanks Ed, mine is a late 2009 Rocket 3, last of the standards before the Roadster kicked in. I thank you for your 2 cents and will make enquiries at my Triumph dealer regarding possible recals that may have been missed and see what has been done to the bike when they check the records.

The Triumph Relay recall is ONLY 2010 Roadsters. 2011 come pre-relayed. Older like you (and mine) 2009 have no relay option from the factory.

Eastern Beaver or DIY. If you do not like hacking into wires - I do not - then there are 100% compatible headlight loom plugs available at Vehicle Wiring Products in Ilkestone 4 way Mini-connectors 2.8mm. on this page

 

[zenbiker]

Relays are the real answer but I've always used a shot of silicone spray into the keyhole in the ignition switches for all of the 20+ bikes I've owned over the years. I do it about once per month and it inhibits corrosion and is water resistant. Also in other key holes such as the fuel cover keyhole and the seat release on the Classic. Just a tip.

 

[1098cracy]

Hi , I've got the roadster and i've fitted the beaver kit anyway just to be on the safe side, doesn't harm to over kill now and again.
cheers
graham