Author [NL] [FR] [ES] [DE] [SE] [IT] Headlights flickering on idle  (Read 23152 times)

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  • Offline teef.au

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    Offline teef.au

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    Headlights flickering on idle
    on: May 20, 2018, 09.46 am
    May 20, 2018, 09.46 am
    Hi Folks,

    Early days for me as I learn to get along with my new (to me) TTSE. For reference it is a 2013 with 35 000klms.

    After my first recent night ride, I have a minor annoyance. When I pull up to a set of traffic lights with the engine idling at what appears to be a shade over 1000RPM, the headlights flicker. It’s reasonably minor but noticeably different to my other bikes, which includes a Tiger Explorer.

    I notice that if I increase the engine RPM by even the smallest amount, the flickering disappears immediately. It seems I am on the bottom edge of alternator output.

    My main question is, do they all do this?

    I haven’t checked anything and I have no idea how old the battery is. Thought I would ask if this is common behavior first.
    2013 Trophy SE
    2012 Tiger 1050 SE
    2013 R1200GS
    2006 CBR1100XX

  • Offline PhilInAthens   us

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    Offline PhilInAthens

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    Re: Headlights flickering on idle
    Reply #1 on: May 20, 2018, 03.05 pm
    May 20, 2018, 03.05 pm
    I have a 2014 and I have not witnessed any flickering of the lights at idle.

  • Offline brenchley   us

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    Offline brenchley

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    Re: Headlights flickering on idle
    Reply #2 on: May 20, 2018, 06.05 pm
    May 20, 2018, 06.05 pm
    *Originally Posted by teef.au [+]

    After my first recent night ride, I have a minor annoyance. When I pull up to a set of traffic lights with the engine idling at what appears to be a shade over 1000RPM, the headlights flicker. It’s reasonably minor but noticeably different to my other bikes, which includes a Tiger Explorer.

    My 2014 TTSE, at 46,000+ miles recently started exhibiting a subtle headlight flicker at idle.  The known, "Low Voltage" indication was also beginning to appear every time at start up - before it was once in a while.

    I removed the stock battery, a Yuasa YTX20L-BS, after about 2 years and 9 months use, replaced it with a Yuasa YTX20HL-BS and the flicker went away and I haven't seen the Low Voltage indication since, as well.   :002:
    Former 2014 Blue TTSE
    IBA #69644

  • Offline Travelling2bob   au

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    Offline Travelling2bob

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    Re: Headlights flickering on idle
    Reply #3 on: May 20, 2018, 09.44 pm
    May 20, 2018, 09.44 pm
    Your battery is on the way out.
    Wherever you go, there you are.
    Triumph Trophy SE
    Triumph Thunderbird 1600
    Triumph Sprint ST
    Ducati ST3

  • Offline earthman   gb

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    Offline earthman

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    Re: Headlights flickering on idle
    Reply #4 on: May 20, 2018, 10.40 pm
    May 20, 2018, 10.40 pm
    Battery could well be on it's way out but have you checked the terminals, are they clean and tight?

    It's is 'normal' on other bikes that I've owned, for a very slight flicker to be seen whilst on tick over, I've not really noticed that on the Trophy though.

  • Offline teef.au

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    Offline teef.au

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    Re: Headlights flickering on idle
    Reply #5 on: May 21, 2018, 04.51 am
    May 21, 2018, 04.51 am
    *Originally Posted by earthman [+]
    Battery could well be on it's way out but have you checked the terminals, are they clean and tight?

    It's is 'normal' on other bikes that I've owned, for a very slight flicker to be seen whilst on tick over, I've not really noticed that on the Trophy though.

    The battery has terminals?  :005:

    Seriously though no, I have yet to check. I think I might replace the battery now for three reasons:

    - I have no reason to doubt the sincerity and competence of the advice given
    - I have no idea how old it is
    - Things aren't going to improve on their own, and it occurs to me, items like the ECU must hate voltage fluctuation, better to replace the battery now on a whim than face complications or a breakdown down the track.

    Thanks for the advice folks  :152:
    2013 Trophy SE
    2012 Tiger 1050 SE
    2013 R1200GS
    2006 CBR1100XX

  • Offline Wilko   gb

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    Offline Wilko

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    Re: Headlights flickering on idle
    Reply #6 on: May 22, 2018, 09.35 pm
    May 22, 2018, 09.35 pm
    I have noticed the Low Voltage warning now and then, tonight after a short ride, on turning the ignition on, it was there again, and thinking about it, it's getting more common.
    I think I will change it before my tour across Europe in August, seeing as I have a lifetime warranty on the bike if I have it serviced by the shop I bought it from, I will test them, although, I flatly refuse to go to them to service it, long story, but seeing as it's coming up to 20000 miles I'm going to blag it..........I'll keep you up dated.
    Paul Wilko

  • Offline ShaunDW

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    Offline ShaunDW

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    Re: Headlights flickering on idle
    Reply #7 on: May 23, 2018, 07.21 am
    May 23, 2018, 07.21 am
    My 2015 TT has 44,000 miles on it, and I have also just noticed a flicker at idle. If I raise the revs slightly it goes away. I have seen no warning lights though.
    I'll check the terminals this weekend, and probably give it a boost with my trusty old Optimate charger - see if that helps.
    Pacific Blue Trophy A1
    Honda Bros 650 (since import from Japan in '95)
    History (best of):
    KE125, CB250T, DT400, GS425, GS650G, XR200, CB900F2, FJ1200, K1200RS

     



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