First of all, my bike is a 2010 iron 883. A few days ago, my low beam stopped working. I figure whatever, the bulb just blew out and I'll replace it. I already did once because I didn't like the performance of the stock bulb.

So I just took off the ring and I smell what reminds me of those old Lionel trains that made smoke. I didn't remember this, but I figured that it was from not washing it out maybe. So I take the headlight assembly out, and begin to pull the connector out, when it.. flakes apart. What the heck? Its not that bright out right now so I took a flashlight and noticed that.. The connector is melted. The black wire managed to find it's way completely out of the connected housing. I replaced the stock headlight with a 100/80W bulb which I was recommended by a reliable source. Is that too much amperage?

Needless to say I'm pretty PO'd.

I should also say that I also had my speedo cut out once while I was cruising at 60. Restarted and everything was fine. Would that have any relation to this?

 

No relation with the speedo, could be over wattage on bulb for socket or just a bad connection. Replace the socket, grease the prongs on the 100/80 bulb and put it back in. My .02

 

I ran that bulb for over a year so it would be strange to just happen now. I also know I'm gonna need a new connector. The wires all look melted and the prongs on the headlight are melted too. It's really baffling. If I could post pictures I would, my Internet has been down since Friday so I'm having to post from my phone.

 

Excess heat from the higher wattage bulb...

Drew

 

It's been reported here many times, that the socket is not designed to handle the amp load created buy a 100w bulb. You overloaded then circuit by 40% beyond it's design.

Simple math: P=I*E

 

Well thats nice. I rarely ever used the high beam either. The guy who recommended it has been using it for a while too, I guess I'll inform him if it hasnt already happened.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions though. I wonder if the dealer will pay for this as they were the ones who told me to use this light in the first place.

Does anyone know about how much this is going to cost to fix?

 

3 but connectors, 1 new socket. $12
Being able to see and be seen. Priceless

 

Just had the same thing happen to my bike about 2 weeks ago. No new nifty high powered blub though. My mechanic says it pretty normal and that he changes the connector on a couple bikes a year. Some do and some don't. He didn't have a new one in stock so I did some online research and someone suggested a trip to auto zone and a light connector from a chevy. Bought it hooked it up meself. Which I might add I don't know jack about workin on a bike LOL. Workin just fine now and the chevy part is much stouter and costed 3.50 for a pair! Still workin great too!!