I posted this in the electrical forum with no response. I have an 05 Heritage. The headlight is really dim, I have to use the running lights to see at all at night. I've noticed other bikes were the same way.
I see where people are putting higher wattage bulbs and heavier wire so it doesn't melt. What is the best way to go? Is it really designed to be that dim? it just kind of casts a shadow in front bike about 20-25 ft.

Thanks, Ron

 

It shouldn't be dim. Maybe a ground wire loose. Usually when the bulb goes out, it goes out without warning.

 

Are your running lights as bright as they should be? If so, I would think it's something like a bad connection to the headlight.
If the running lights are also dim, I think you may have a problem with either your battery or your charging system.

 

Running lights are bright. High beam is bright. Charging system seems to be O.K. Maybe just a bad bulb, but they usually just go out.

 

Sounds like a bad bulb. It's worth a try. Worst that can happen is that you end up with a spare bulb.

 

Just throw HID in it & be done.

 

Bulbs don't go dim, they either work or they don't. I would check your ground wire for good connections, then check the plug to the lamp connection. You may find some corrosion has developed. Hope this helps...

 

Test the socket, you should be getting around 13.6 amps. if its between 12-13.2 your stator may be week, causing the dim lights.