Any thoughts on this little electrical issue with my SP1000.
Sometimes the charge light comes on whilst riding - not a little glow but properly bright for periods varying from a few seconds to perhaps 20-30 seconds. Only happens when I have the headlight on, have never seen it otherwise. I would say it is more frequent soon after setting off on a trip. I realised the other day when I was behind a car that the headlight goes off when the charge light comes on. And today I was playing with it on the main stand and I noticed the neutral light also went off when the charge lamp comes on. There doesn’t seem to any issue with keeping the battery charged.
I will be studying the wiring diagram tonight, but any thoughts welcome.
SP 1000 uses a circuit board under the dash to mount all the idiot light bulbs. LO-OTS of electrical connections; two PCB edge connector plugs, and each wedge bulb sits in a black plastic holder which in turn has a bayonet fitting into the PCB. Lots of potential for corroded / verdigris connections.
But also check the alternator brushes, what you describe is also like the symptoms for bad brush contact, too short (worn) or jammed in its holder. (Guess how I know.)
Cheers Mike. This bike didn’t have a PCB as it’s a pretty early Spada (1978) but it certainly doesn’t now as I have fitted the small dash. But there are still many connections inside. I did have a look at the alternator brushes when it first started doing it, but will do it again.
Try the big multi block connector under the tank towards the front. You could also try moving the handlebars back and forth, see if something is pulling on the wires.
My SP is the same, the lights drop out of the holders on a bumpy road!
The Spada I didn’t have the PCB, as far as I am aware the only bike to get it was the Le Mans II but not all of those had it. It is probably not brushes as then you would get a dull glow, independent to the headlight, unless the alternator is producing such a low charge that as soon as you turn the headlight on it is drawing more current than the alternator is producing. I would suggest that you check the alternator output to confirm this. I believe that the generator light lights when there is less current from the regulator than the supply from the fuse box.
It sounds like a loose wire rather than corrosion (corroded terminals or spades would give a dull glow not a full on bright light) it is the blue wire from the dash to the regulator via the 15 pin connector block (the other wire is a red +ve feed from the 15 pin connector fed to there by a black and red wire from fuse F2 in the fuse box) but it will not be this feed it will be the blue wire, unless there is a fault with the regulator or charging system.
The headlight is also supplied from fuse F2 as are the other dash lights, but neutral, generator, oil and fuel are constantly fed from live (when the ignition is on) and earthed by the relevant switch to light it up with lights and main beam warning lights being permanently earthed and light when the relevant lights are illuminated.
If you would like a copy of my coloured wiring diagram as a pdf file, send me your email via PM.
I hope this helps
PS Just read your post again and the neutral light is supplied by the same feed to the dash lights as the charge light. Try checking the re and red/black contacts on the 15 pin connector first.
Knew you were going to say that, but before that bike, I had a Spada 1. However was probably the last of the Spada 1’s because it had the locking steel flap over the petrol cap like the later version, not the plastic one. I.e. a “transition” toward the next Spada NT.
My factory manual has a supplement with the circuit diagram for 1000SP with PCB, dated 1980. Can scan and send if you want it?
Haven’t had time to look at the problem today - decided to go and have a ride to look at the VMCC Levis Cup on the 850GT.
Thanks for the offer of the wiring diagram Chris. I have copied the one from the manual double size and coloured some of it in so will see how I get on for a bit.
Ian that would be great. I guess they must have done the Spada as well seeing as how the dash was the same as the Le Mans II a copy would be great. I have never seen it and I stand corrected, sorry Mike, eating lots of humble pie.
Yes, followed those 3 for a while. I had no route sheet so just tagged along with various people. Took my camera but forgot to charge the battery first, hence only a few photos with my phone.
Had it from 1982 to 1987 I think. Still think I should’ve kept it.
By the time I p’xed it it had custom paint, matching Sigma luggage and sorted suspension and went really well after a lot of faffing about. Still kicking myself for letting it go.
I have found one of Carl Allison’s drawings for 1980 V1000 SP NT which shows a circuit board, I will do some more research and find the original workshop manual. Pie tastes ok
Thanks Ian, I have downloaded the relevant workshop manuals and supplements already. I will be producing wiring diagrams soon for V1000 SP II and V1000 SP NT (I have also ignored Mike’s last post) Best wishes Chris
