Generator light- on or off?

[TeddyG]

The generator red light on my 750 sometimes is on or off, so I'm wondering what it normally should be. I don't see it explained in the manuals and I've replaced the worn belt and the present tension is firm. The bike is new to me and I haven't ridden it much yet. The bike fires right up and the newish battery charges up rapidly, but I probably should check the charging system.
Thank you!

 

[Tippie]

The lamp should shine bright with engine stopped and up to about 1000rpm, or faster than a fast idle. It works by "earthing" through the + in the generator, which cannot happen when the generator is pumping current.
Simple volt and amp test a good idea for peace of mind.

 

[CLEMTOG]

what Tippie is trying to say is that when the bike is above tickover, the light should ALWAYS be out, very often on 750's the light is lablled "oil"
more likley to be a regulator fault than a dynamo* fault, if as you state the belt is good, (*its not an alternator is makes DC)
CLEM

 

[TeddyG]

Thanks guys,
Up until recently, the bike has just been stationary and idling while I've been working on it, and I noticed the generator red light was always on. I took it out for a test ride yesterday and the light turned off. Thanks for the chart Tippie- as I mentioned, the bike fires right up , but checking the system will tell me more- especially since this bike is new to me and I shouldn't assume anything.