hi-beam lamp
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
hi-beam lamp
Well, I've lost my hi-beam again. Since I usually ride during the day with the hi-beam on this is a huge safety issue. It fails without warning (and yes, I always check b4 I ride). I replaced this lamp for the second time only two months ago. No problems with the low beam though.
Does using the hi-beam all the time degrade its life expectancy? If it were a short, why doesn't it go Immediately and why isn't the low-beam affected? The bike is still under warranty but damn, I hate taking it there unless I absolutely have to.
Any help would be appreciated.
<><Peace
Does using the hi-beam all the time degrade its life expectancy? If it were a short, why doesn't it go Immediately and why isn't the low-beam affected? The bike is still under warranty but damn, I hate taking it there unless I absolutely have to.
Any help would be appreciated.
<><Peace
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon, Missouri
RE: hi-beam lamp
It may be a short. I experience the same type issue not too long ago, except in reverse. I had no passing lamps or low beam, only high. Problem ended up being a crimped wire coming from the switch housing. I just loosened it a bit, fiddled a few seconds, and had lights again. Haven't had a problem since. But you are right. I check the damned things every time now!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From:
RE: hi-beam lamp
I replaced the stock lame yellow bulb in my 07 FB with a PIAA bulb which iswhite and brighter. Great illumination at night. 8K miles after andstill goes strong and I also use the high beam during day time riding which is 95% of that mileage.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: hi-beam lamp
I assume you know not to touch the bulb ever but use a tissue (non-aloe type). to hold the bulb. or you can clean with an alchol wipe before and let dry then install.
the oils when heated with the High Beam will cause a hot spot and hence early bulb burn out.
the oils when heated with the High Beam will cause a hot spot and hence early bulb burn out.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: hi-beam lamp
Is there really that much difference in the heat from the hi-beam as opposed to the lo-beam?? BTW I never touch the glass bulb when installing it. And why does the hi-beam a;ways burn out and not the lo-beam -- or both.
<><Peace
<><Peace
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From:
RE: hi-beam lamp
One bulb, two filaments (high / low), different wattage, one hotter (+brighter)than the other. In all the years I have been riding (25) and 6 bikes, only once I had toreplace a bulb, and it was the low beam bulb (burnt at around 12K)in my '99 Busa (separate bulbs in that baby) . You seem to have a wire problem. They should not burn every 2 months or so.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: hi-beam lamp
I first noticed that I had lost the hi-beam while doing tight turns on the painted pavement used by the MSF classes at our local community college.
I suspect, but have no way of knowing for sure, that a wire got pinched in one of the tight turns. I dont't see any creases or crimps though.
This is kind of frustrating for a simple (hah!) problem.
<><Peace
I suspect, but have no way of knowing for sure, that a wire got pinched in one of the tight turns. I dont't see any creases or crimps though.
This is kind of frustrating for a simple (hah!) problem.
<><Peace
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From:
RE: hi-beam lamp
A short in the wiring would not cause the hi-beam to fail, but it would cause the fuse to blow. Is the bulb really dead? or is there no power going to it. Connect a voltmeter to the hi-beam and ground wires. move the bars (or the headlight harness)around, see if the voltage drops out or drops down. Low voltage to the bulb can cause premature failure.
Good luck.
Good luck.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
