Why does my headlight on my scooter dim when the brake is applied?

by Kym
(Adelaide, South Australia)

Hello... I own a new Kymco Vibe 50cc. The headlight dims markedly when I use the brakes, &/or when indicating. When indicating, the headlight dims & brightens in time with indicators. A bit embarrassing!


It doesn't do this when idling.

The Vibe headlight doesn't have high/low option, but a very good fixed beam. It was checked out at the first service. The report was "No problem. The headlight & brakes are on different circuits, so shouldn't be an issue" - words to that effect.

But at that time I didn't realize the headlight brightness was OK while idling, which is how the mechanic probably tested the lights. So I will let the mechanic know at the 2nd (1000 k) service.

My questions: Has anyone else had a similar problem? Could it be the alternator?

I would like to get some ideas before getting it seen to.

This is a safety issue also. For instance when braking night time at intersections in the rain, not good to have a dim headlight. (I wear a bright reflective vest to help protect my wife's investment - me that is, not the scooter!)

Thanks... Kym

Comments for Why does my headlight on my scooter dim when the brake is applied?

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Jun 28, 2011
Dimming headlight problem solved.
by: Kym

Hello.

Re: the problem of my scooter's headlight dimming when I apply the brakes &/or indicators - a friend suggested replacing the brake/taillight globes (twin globes on my Kymco Vibe50) with LED's

Cost: About $28 (Australian) ea. Ordered online from 'The LED Shop Australia' (info@ledshoponline.com.au)

LEDs are supposed to last around 10,000 hours, & be less prone to breaking. Use less battery power & give more light.

They are certainly much brighter than the old globes.

Put the LEDs in & absolutely no dimming headlights now. Amazing that the dealer I bought the scooter had no idea about this solution!

Feels much safer now at night.

This idea might help anybody else with a similar problem.

Many thanks for the other suggestions.

See ya.

Kym

Jun 28, 2011
Headlight going out
by: Anonymous

I have a 2008 Schwinn Sport 50. My question is that I just found out that when my low beam is on at an idol I have very little light. As the r.p.m go up the low beam goes out all together. Now I can run the high beam and it works great. What could this problem be.I don't do much night riding but I have no light on low beam.Only very little at an idol.

Aug 07, 2010
Grounds
by: Jim Zeiser

Or Earth circuits as you might say. I would check all the plugs and wires for loose connections. Something might be rattling from the vibration at higher engine speed.

Aug 07, 2010
Headlight problems
by: George

This is a common problem with most 50cc China made scooters. I would recommend a current stabilizer. They simply attach to your battery.

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