Hey guys,
Recently got my first Harley, so here's my first HDF post.

I have a 1998 Softail FXSTC.

The bulb keeps blowing the running/parking filament. It happens way too often to be normal. The brake filament on the 1157 bulb doesnt go, just the running light.
Is this common? Is there a known solution for this problem?

Thanks in advance for the help and thank you for all the great info I have found on the HD Forums!

 

Welcome to the Harley world and the forum!! It is a great place to learn good info.

I'd suggest that you check your bulb mount - is it loose at all so that the bulb can vibrate around? Vibration kills the bulbs. make sure the mount is snug on the bulb and a dollop of dielectric grease is a good idea.

Secondly I'd suggest checking your running voltage with a multimeter to ensure it's around 13.8 when you have the bike at 2000 rpm or so. If you have a voltage regulator problem that is allowing voltage to go higher then it'll blow bulbs. But I doubt this is your problem since other bulbs aren't blowing.

Here is my most likely suspect - the cheap bulbs we get these days just can't take the inherent vibration of a rigid mounted non-balanced Evo engine. I'd suggest you get a high quality LED bulb from Custom Dynamics - it has two benefits, 1. it's made for a motorcycle and will have better vibration resistance (and a higher price to boot), and importantly, 2. it'll be a lot brighter than incandescent which is very helpful. Learn from my mistake - DON'T buy a cheap LED 1157 on eBay. They are cheap because they are junk. The running vs. brake difference is minute and that's a big problem.

If you have $200 to spend, or can find one used, I HIGHLY recommend replacing your taillight with a Brightasslight. http://brightasslights.com They are flat amazing. Here's my video of when I installed mine compared to 1157. They warn you to not look at the light too long and they aren't kidding, it burns your eyes. Which really catches the eye of cars behind you.

 

I just realized you're local - check out Cafe 27 on Sundays, huge bike show every Sunday and live music.

And you might want to introduce yourself and watch the Florida Crew section, some good folks in there and group rides from time to time.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-florida-crew-127/

 

Thanks a million Joe! Awesome response!
=)

 

I bought one of the 1157 replacement LED bulbs for $30 which I don't think is cheap. It is brighter but it's so long that most of the light is concentrated in the center of the lens. Also, since all the light is focused to the rear there is very little illumination that comes through the tag light window. Just so you know.

 

I kept having the same problem. Went with custom dynamics and haven't had a problem since

 

by heavy duty bulb. I like the bright *** light joe g has think I'll get me one

 

vibration an cheap made in china bulbs