(2)**The headlamp, tail lamp and licence plate lamp on a motorcycle manufactured on or after the 1st day of January, 1975 shall be continuously illuminated when the engine is operating and each forward gear is engaged.
So to expand with what you are saying, simply turning on lights when in motion will satisfy the HTA reqt, therefore having a '77 bike with no "auto" running headlamp will not cause the bike to fail safety?
Thats where i got confused, looks like i have some re-wiring to do. sucks.