Guides Dipped Beam Wiring Mod (Old & New Switch Types)

amb67 · Nov 19, 2008

Aprilia RSV Light Switch Dipped Beam Wiring Modification

Firstly, this is mainly for RSV's that have had the headlamp dipped beam converted to HID but can be used on all RSV's.

What will this modification do?

It will allow the dipped beam to remain on when you activate the main beam switch. This will give you much better night vision due to having all three lamps illuminated at the same time.

Currently, when you hit the main beam button your dipped beam will go out. Try it and see, if it doesn't then you don't need to do this modification.

Apparently we have two types of light switches fitted to the RSV, we will call them old and new for this exercise. Please refer to the correct part of this 'How to' for your switch type.

Old-style Switch
For the older switch type, un-solder the black wire and re-solder to the centre connection point.

Standard wiring

Modified wiring

New-style Switch

The newer switch looks like this when you get it apart:

Remove the plastic cover that hides the dip switch then pop the dip switch out.

Either unsolder the black wire (A) and re-solder it to the white wire (B) or solder a short piece of wire between A and B (I think this is easiest). Make sure you use a similar gauge wire to the other wires in the switch.

See picture below

Reassemble the switch and your conversion is complete.

This is a how to guide and all modifications are done so at the owners’ risk.

danf1234 · Nov 19, 2008

Is this applicable to the 04 and onwards model bikes?

amb67 · Nov 19, 2008

danf1234 said:
Is this applicable to the 04 and onwards model bikes?

I'm unsure that the 04 models have an issue with the dipped beam going out as us pre 04 model owners do.

The old and new style switches refer to two different types fitted to the 98 - 2003 models.

Perhaps someone with a bit of electrical savvy could have a look at the lighting set up on the 04 models and let us now if it is applicable.

supertedlover · Nov 19, 2008

amb mate is this in the how to forum yet? if not get onto the mods
your write ups a **** hot mate but your creating me more jobs :biggrin

amb67 · Nov 19, 2008

Sorry STL for all the work I'm creating for you. LOL

PM'd CrashTD so should get moved soon.

Working on a HID how to at the moment, is taking a little longer than anticipated.

PS. I'm also trying to change my dash illumination colour to blue too, will let you know how I get on.

Garvey20031 · Nov 20, 2008

Damn, looks like im getting the soldering iron out this weekend

top how to. simple, easy to follow and very useful!

Smiffy · Nov 20, 2008

Mr ABM67, I have just performed the switch re-wire after seeing your above post, I have a 2002 model Mille on an 03 plate, I had the newer type switch and all is working well. Now when I'm riding down the road with my new HID kit and I flick on my full beam I will be able to see even more. .......many thanks for a great mod.....smiffy

rsvrrr · Jan 21, 2009

I've got the old style switch. I'll get in the garage and get on that tomorrow. Very clear and straightforward.

What's the HID conversion, cost hassle etc? My bike has the standard set up.

Shake n Bake · Jan 22, 2009

Does anyone know why Aprilia didn't design the headlamps to keep the dip lights on when you turn on the full beam? I am thinking about doing this mod but in the back of my mind I'm thinking that those great Italian electrical engineers at Aprilia might have had the same idea but backed off because of a potential overload or burn out situation.

Mick Oliver · Jan 22, 2009

Thanks well descrbed will make the mod this weekend:thumbup

amb67 · Jan 22, 2009

Shake n Bake said:
Does anyone know why Aprilia didn't design the headlamps to keep the dip lights on when you turn on the full beam? I am thinking about doing this mod but in the back of my mind I'm thinking that those great Italian electrical engineers at Aprilia might have had the same idea but backed off because of a potential overload or burn out situation.

You must be joking!! LOL

Great Italian electrical engineers do not exist in the Aprilia factory, for sure.

I've been running mine modified for months and have never had an issue, have you read any posts of melted wiring looms etc.... after doing this mod?

No neither have I.

I am running a HID dipped beam so the actual current drain is less than that of a 60/55 H4 bulb.

If you've not converted to HID yet then I'd recommend it as one of your first mods. Helps be seen and to see in poor light conditions.

Smiffy · Jan 22, 2009

amb67 said:
You must be joking!! LOL

Great Italian electrical engineers do not exist in the Aprilia factory, for sure.

I've been running mine modified for months and have never had an issue, have you read any posts of melted wiring looms etc.... after doing this mod?

No neither have I.

I am running a HID dipped beam so the actual current drain is less than that of a 60/55 H4 bulb.

If you've not converted to HID yet then I'd recommend it as one of your first mods. Helps be seen and to see in poor light conditions.

Im with Alan, this is a brilliant mod, but to be fair after adding a HID kit i hardly use the full beam, but when the weather is a little better and we start doing the Friday night ride outs until around 2am in the morning im sure it will come into its own!

Shake n Bake · Jan 22, 2009

amb67 said:
You must be joking!! LOL

Great Italian electrical engineers do not exist in the Aprilia factory, for sure.

I've been running mine modified for months and have never had an issue, have you read any posts of melted wiring looms etc.... after doing this mod?

No neither have I.

I am running a HID dipped beam so the actual current drain is less than that of a 60/55 H4 bulb.

If you've not converted to HID yet then I'd recommend it as one of your first mods. Helps be seen and to see in poor light conditions.

I agree, I haven't heard of anyone having melted wires either but I bet I would be the first!
I don't think I'll install HID lights this year partly due to the cost and partly because I'm more of a day rider. But as the bike is currently in a state of undress I think I try the light mod.

Keep your eyes peeled for a pissed off RSV rider pushing his bike home!

TTrouble · Jan 23, 2009

Cost? I paid £30 for my HID kit!!!

Shake n Bake · Jan 23, 2009

TTrouble said:
Cost? I paid £30 for my HID kit!!!

That seems cheap, where did you get that from?

AREESSMILL · Jan 24, 2009

Best mod you can do.

and for 30 quid its worth it.

Mick Oliver · Jan 24, 2009

Where can you get one of these HID kits from:dunno

amb67 · Jan 24, 2009

Mick Oliver said:
Where can you get one of these HID kits from:dunno

Try this guy Mick Click Me.

I have had a few kits of him now for my bikes and a few mates cars too and they are excellent bits of kit.

They can take about 2 weeks to arrive but worth the wait IMO.

Mick Oliver · Jan 24, 2009

Thanks bud got the link will give it a try:thumbup

petrolpete · Jan 31, 2009

smashing a nut with a sledgehammer

amb67 said:
Aprilia RSV Light Switch Dipped Beam Wiring Modification

Firstly, this is mainly for RSV's that have had the headlamp dipped beam converted to HID but can be used on all RSV's.

What will this modification do?

It will allow the dipped beam to remain on when you activate the main beam switch. This will give you much better night vision due to having all three lamps illuminated at the same time.

Currently, when you hit the main beam button your dipped beam will go out. Try it and see, if it doesn't then you don't need to do this modification.

Apparently we have two types of light switches fitted to the RSV, we will call them old and new for this exercise. Please refer to the correct part of this 'How to' for your switch type.

Old-style Switch
For the older switch type, un-solder the black wire and re-solder to the centre connection point.

Standard wiring

Modified wiring

New-style Switch

The newer switch looks like this when you get it apart:

Remove the plastic cover that hides the dip switch then pop the dip switch out.

Either unsolder the black wire (A) and re-solder it to the white wire (B) or solder a short piece of wire between A and B (I think this is easiest). Make sure you use a similar gauge wire to the other wires in the switch.

See picture below

Reassemble the switch and your conversion is complete.

This is a how to guide and all modifications are done so at the owners’ risk.

Well that is a way of doing it.
I am not over keen on messing around with the loom.
I have myself achieved the same by soldering a diode from the high beam relay to the low beam relay (cathode side of the diode on the low beam + coil side of the relay and Anode side on the + coil side of the High Beam relay).
The benfit of this is that it is reversible in minutes and also means you don't have to mess around with the loom. (I have got some pictures somewhere and will try and post them up).
Oh and I have also since fitted a HID kit, if you fit a HID kit this mod is essential as the HID light unit takes time to fire up and this could be potentially dangerous as when the high beam is switched off it will take a few seconds for the low beam to come to full brightness.
Pete :thumbup

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Guides Dipped Beam Wiring Mod (Old & New Switch Types)

amb67

danf1234

amb67

supertedlover

amb67

Garvey20031

Smiffy

rsvrrr

Shake n Bake

Mick Oliver

amb67

Smiffy

Shake n Bake

TTrouble

Shake n Bake

AREESSMILL

Mick Oliver

amb67

Mick Oliver

petrolpete

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