No power at dipped headlight

[BroX]

Apparently bikes in Sweden are not allowed to have an HID conversion so for the MOT I have to revert it to the original bulbs. Annoying, especialy since they have never complained before, but a simple job one would say. Bike's a 2005 1150GSA, UK model so no switch at the handle bar.

I replaced the dipped first, it worked fine. Then swapped the main, which also worked, but now the dipped didn't!

I checked the bulb, which was still ok. Multimeter showed that there is no power at the plug that connects to the bulb housing. I wiggled the wire leading to the plug but nothing happened.

Since there is only about 10cm of that wire visible, and the only thing I did was scratching my knuckles under the dash, it is difficult to see where to go. Where/what should I check next?

By the way, headlights are not fused. *

All suggestions welcome, need to get it MOT'ed before the end of next week...

* EDIT: according to this post fuse #8 is for dipped? Will check tomorrow.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

Fuse 8 does supply the dipped beam on your bike. I had to work that out once because it's not shown in my popular aftermarket manual.

Anyway, I'd be surprised to hear that your problem is more than a simple fuse problem because if not it's either a loom fault or the ignition switch wiring. Just check you have 12V across the fuse and check for continuity to the lamp connector.

 

[BroX]

Fuse 8 does supply the dipped beam on your bike. I had to work that out once because it's not shown in my popular aftermarket manual.

Indeed, #8 it was. Should have RTFM, it was in there.

 

[Bendy toy]

Not important for the MoT but check the voltage at the bulb connector and at the battery. One of my bikes was losing over 1.5 volts in the wiring system. Relays switched from the original headlight circuit with direct power supply from the battery gave an appreciably brighter headlight.

 

[BroX]

Thanks, I'll look into that. But after the kontrollbesiktning (MoT) the HIDs will go back straight away. I like to be noticed on the road!