short in lights

[kelly73fx1]

I ride no lights.  I put the lights on ride 50mi battery very low.

It reads 14v at 2000rpm / lights on.maybe a short 

[Lew]

I ride no lights.  I put the lights on ride 50mi battery very low.

It reads 14v at 2000rpm / lights on.maybe a short 

It's possible...but unlikely that there is a short in the light circuit.  A short there would burn out a fuse, trip a breaker or if no protection, would toast some wiring.  If there is a short, voltage would be much lower than 14v with the lights on and testing. More likely the battery is tired and has lost it's ability to hold a proper charge when under the added electrical load of the lights.  It also possible the regulator is not working consistently...but less likely.
Check battery voltage with the battery charged and without the engine running, then turn the lights on and note the voltage drop. If the voltage drops below 12v shortly after the lights come on that would indicate the battery is tired and needs replacing.  Good luck
Lew

[harpo1313]

grounds?

[kelly73fx1]

What lewy 1313 says. i will let you no. The battery is new 3 mo old.

[kelly73fx1]

Battery had 13v. Motor not runinglights on . The batt .goes down.

If i run it, it goes to 14v @ 2000RPM lights on or off.

[Lew]

All sounds OK.  Something is intermittently open keeping the battery from charging or something is intermittently shorting to ground.  I'd inspect for solid connections and look for a possible short.  Battery cable connections...check for a good stator plug connection too.
Lew

[MMOCGuy]

What year and model bike?
How many lights do you have that come on when you turn the lights on?

Norm.

[kelly73fx1]

IT A 73FX  HEAD TAIL DIREC.

[kelly73fx1]

[attachment removed after 60 days by system]

[MMOCGuy]

IT A 73FX  HEAD TAIL DIREC.

OK, Thanks,

The reason I was asking is because I was wondering what battery you had and if the draw of the lights was too much for the alternator to handle.

While the '73 FX does have a small battery and the alternator is also small, just running a headlight, taillight & directionals should not be too much of a load.

I'd follow the suggestions already made - especially the one advising to check all connectors & contacts for a good solid connection and no corrosion.

Let us know what you find.

Hope this helps.

Norm.

[kelly73fx1]

It a new die-hard bat. ( see pix) And a 32 amp .