I put a higher intensity bulb in my 883xl last year and it worked pretty good. Lasted a year before dying and when I took it out I found the socket melted. Got a new one from Harley but know it'd happen again so went back to stock bulb. Somewhere I found a NAPA part # for a replacement socket that wouldn't melt, but for the life of me don't know where I found the info and am hoping someone knows???? HELP! Need to see!

 

was it a PIAA bulb.... i heard stories that PIAA can possibly short out things.... but then again I used a PIAA bulb for a year before it blew, then I switched to the CANDLELIGHT lamp....

JD

 

Your problem won't be solved by going to a different socket. The bulb is drawing more current than the circuit was designed to handle. Installing a heaver duty socket will likely result in the wires to the socket melting and shorting out. Switch to a PIAA bulb, very bright light output and draws the same amps as the stock bulb. Be sure the bulb you get is "vibration" rated. The PIAA's arn't cheap but worth every penny IMO.

 

I bought a PIAA and and a new, more durable socket and just wired it up. My headlight is bright as HELL now and I've had no further issues with it. My socket was roached, too.

 

Where did you get the 'more durable socket'????? And, what bulb for the 05 xl? thanx!

 

It's just a heavy duty one with heavier gauge wire and gold connectors I picked up from AutoZone. I had already split the harness to get rid of the wires I don't use anymore so I just re-ran the wires.

Not sure on the bulb. But take the socket and old bulb with you when you pick up new ones...it helps.