Author Topic: Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light  (Read 3415 times)

Offline Tman

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« on: October 26, 2005, 11:42:37 PM »
Hi! New to Bandit Alley and thought I'd try find some advice from some pros.

Long time reader but now I can join in as I have bought my first Bandit and to be honest its my first bike ever! Lovin it.


Problem: My rear light won't stay on. I have no idea about bikes (yet, working on my knowledge with this, my first challenge).

I am doing some research currently but I would love some help if anyone has any suggestions. I have checked the fuses and that is as far as I got.

Thanks!
1997 Suzuki Bandit 250

Bhlat-tastic.

Offline Red01

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2005, 01:34:56 AM »
If the fuses are fine, and the bulbs aren't burned out, then the next thing to check is that there's no bad grounds (most likely) or opens in the circuit. Most of the time, it's a bulb not making a good contact in the socket.
Paul
2001 GSF1200S
(04/2001-03/2012)
2010 Concours 14ABS
(07/2010-current)


Offline PitterB4

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2005, 07:11:45 AM »
:welcome: and  :congrats: on the bike!

Yeah - check the easy stuff first - check the fuses and wiggle that bulb.  Start playing with the wires back there and see if you can make it come and go.

Good luck!
Rob
Bikeless!
'93 Bandit 400 - SOLD
'98 Honda F3 Track Bike - SOLD
'98 Kawi ZX-6R Street Bike - SOLD
NESBA #87 - RETIRED
'00 Gary Fisher Kaitai
'09 Bianchi Via Nirone 7

Offline Tman

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2005, 07:28:35 AM »
Cheers fellas!

Appreciate the response.. I will get to fiddlin with the socket n see what I can come up with.
1997 Suzuki Bandit 250

Bhlat-tastic.

Offline Tman

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2005, 01:59:16 AM »
All sorted. Blub was gone.. hmm.. nice and easy. Happiness is a fully functional bike. God I love it.

Another question though.. how to tell when you should get your chain replaced?

Is it a time factor or when you can hear it slopping when your cruisin..?

Is it best to take it to a mechanics to get done or is it something I can learn to do myself?
1997 Suzuki Bandit 250

Bhlat-tastic.

Offline echomadman

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2005, 09:36:06 AM »
well, adjust it first to take out the excess slack )there should still be an inch or so of vertical play in it) then a simple test is to grab the chain on the back sprocket and pull it, if it comes away from the sprocket its worn.
Check the teeth on your sprockets too, if they're worn or hooked its time for new ones, and its best to get a new chain at the same time.
1990 GSF250 Bandit (currently getting a gsxr400 engine transplant,
2000 SV650S

Offline Tman

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2005, 08:17:22 PM »
i've had a look and trying to take the slack out of the chain but it looks like a big task for my little experience and lack of tools

the new blub i've replaced the dead one with had been overheating severely and melting things under my seat. i got the blub from a autoparts place.. do i need to get a specific motorcycle rear tail light blub that is the right voltage?

i thought it should just take a standard blub? geesh.. is anything ever easy?
1997 Suzuki Bandit 250

Bhlat-tastic.

Offline Red01

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2005, 09:55:11 PM »
Std auto bulbs are the std fare. If things are getting hot enough to melt stuff, yolu've got a problem bigger than a bulb... like a short.
Paul
2001 GSF1200S
(04/2001-03/2012)
2010 Concours 14ABS
(07/2010-current)


Offline Tman

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #8 on: November 11, 2005, 12:05:15 AM »
thought as much. thanks for the confirmation!

back to the drawing board.
1997 Suzuki Bandit 250

Bhlat-tastic.

Offline billybandit

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Newbie problem with Bandit 250 rear light
« Reply #9 on: November 12, 2005, 05:39:15 PM »
Welcome Tman  :banana:

Keep on 250'ing!