Hey, gang, has anyone had trouble with the filaments in their passing lamps? (FLSTNI model for me)

It's probably just the horrible, pothole patchwork of a road that I have to take to work everyday, but I noticed yesterday that I have a the filament gone AGAIN in my right side lamp. I replaced it once already in late September. It seems odd that its the same side both times.

Is there anything that could be "wrong" with the lamp mounting itself that would cause the bulb to be experiencing some extra vibration?

 

No problems with mine, and I take a really bad stretch of road quite often as well.

Is the light loose? Did you switch to higher wattage bulbs? Sounds like overheating, but doesn't make sense.
You might check the contacts to be sure they are clean and tight.

 

No change in wattage and the lamp itself doesn't seem to be loose in any way. I'll check the contacts tonight just to be certain.

 

I'm riding a 05 FLSTF Annv Model bought the bike with the passing lamps installed from the dealer. It now has 5000miles on it in 9 months and I have had to replace the left side lamp 4 times. The dealer has done it under warranty every time and claims to have checked for problems, (loose, bad ground ect) but nothing wrong?

I have about 1100 miles on the current lamp and will see what happens.

 

My FLTSCI had about 5800 miles on it when I replaced both left and right passing lamps. I thought it odd that they both went out at the same time. I was installing the optional passing lamp trim rings and passing lamp visors at that time and after putting every thing back together both lamps would not work. I checked voltage and it was OK. I checked resistance with an ohm meter on the lamps and they were blown. I don't know if I inadvertantly shorted something out and blew the lamps when changing the rings or what.

A new set of the '05 passing lamps set me back $45.00 and change. OUCH !!!

Maybe next time I'll just get some 12 volt lawn tractor lamp bulbs (about $6.00 each).

 

I went thru the stock sealed beam passing lamps on my 03 Heritage within 3 months of picking it up. 12000 miles

The replacements lasted far longer over 18 months and 15000 miles.

I went to the newer style Halogens last July. They still work fine, but I have a hole in a lens from a flipped up rock. [:@]

I always thought the left one would go out sooner from the wind deflector touching the engine guard and passing on vibrations.


And don't even get me started on the life of front turn signal bulbs. [:@][:@][:@]

 

Ditto on above. I had my 03 flstci less than 3 months and replaced both lamps, bought aftermarkets(same wattage) and haven't changed them since (now at 33000 miles). I don't remember now who the manufacturer is but it sure wasn't from Harley.

 

I doubt this will explain the trouble on all bikes, but it might be the answer for a few. I had a '99 Yamaha Roadstar with passing lamps. I blew one side twice in a very short time. I think it's the same sealed beam bulb that is on my 2004 Heritiage, so bear with me here. I took the lamp apart and finally discovered a small bead of solder that was loose in the inside channel that the edge of the bulb seats in the housing. When the bulb was installed and the trim ring tightened, it put pressure on the bulb. On starting or riding, the vibration eventually cracked the edge of the bulb and it blew. Good luck

 

I had the new clear reflector passing lamps installed on my 2005 Fatboy prior to delivery. I had to replace the one bulb at 500 miles and it burnt out again within the next 1000 miles. I stay away from overly rough roads but I do have it lowered 2" front and back. My dealer said they have seen some issues with bulb life with this type of lamp so they switched them out for the older style and have had no problems since and I know have 5200 miles.

 

How many here have picked up your scoot from dealer service and found a light out?

Seems fairly common for me to take it in with all lamps working and pick it up with a turnsignal out.

I think it is a conspiracy. [:-]