Lights cutting out!?

[crushedlizard]

I just had a @%*! frightening experience. I was riding back from my girlfriends going at a reasonable pace when suddenly, as I left the glow of the street lights I realised my lights had cut out! This was on a bend too!! I literally toad myself and tried to maintain my turning angle, letting the engine slow me so the car behind could catch me up and illuminate my path. All this whilst frantically flicking the dim/main switch and 'pass' trigger - anything to do with lights!
Suddenly the lights returned so I cautiously made my way to the next roundabout. As I approached they cut out again.
I turned off at my exit and had to continue down an unlit B road with absolutely no moon light or anything. Just as I was rolling to a stop (I couldn't have carried on) they came back on. I crept home slowly but surely and made it back in one piece.

Basically, I've not had a chance to check all connections yet, but logic suggests something is loose.
I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else or is a known problem? I notice the lights only come on once the engine is running not by key position. Any idea where the relay/control for this is located? I've only had the bike 2 days so have not even seen under the fairing yet.

Thanks

...and sorry for the long post!

[masterofinsanity]

i've had it a couple of times on different bikes when the headlight bulbs were on their way out, does the rear light go out as well?

[crushedlizard]

i've had it a couple of times on different bikes when the headlight bulbs were on their way out, does the rear light go out as well?

I'm not sure as I (foolishly) didn't pull over, and I certainly wasn't going to swing round and look behind me! lol
I'm going to experiment this evening when it starts getting dark (dusk).

If it is the bulbs, I may replace them for xenon or something. Will these overload the bike though? If they're going to cause problems I'll stick with standard.
To be honest, I'm not going to do any night riding for a while!

Cheers