iv been having some electrical problem lately, pretty much fixed now.
but in the process of fixing it, it looks like my headlight bulb blew.
there is a tiny bulb that still works in it, it illuminates my headlamp so im not invisible to other people on the road, but its not giving me a ray of light out front, so i cant see on the dark roads. my full beam also doesnt work, im guessing its part of the same bulb(?).
im really clueless when it comes to the lights, quiet shocking, considering all the work iv done on my bike.
anyway, my question is what type of bulb do i need for my 2011 Iron.
is it something i can get from any place, or is it something i must get from my local HD dealer?
any help would be great guys

 

have you checked ur fuses? try that first its a mini 15a fuse

 

yeah i checked all the fuses.
a blown fuse was what caused all my original problems

 

'Easy enough to figure out by removing the bulb and observing it's condition.

There's a split ring that holds the glass lens/bulb assembly together which has a screw and nut on the bottom of it. Loosen/remove this fastener and the split ring can be removed. The assembly will then lift out of the light can, attached now only by the wiring harness...compress the release tabs on the plug and remove it from the spade terminals of the bulb. Pull the rubber boot from the back of the reflector/lens, then compress the ends of the wire retaining clip unhooking it from it's notched retaining posts, swing it out of the way, and remove the bulb.

Observe the two filiments of the bulb; usually you can see a broken filiment fairly easy, but if there's any discoloration of the glass or whispy cloud marks on the inside of the glass then one of the elements is shot [yes there are two, normal and high beam], probably your high beam.

The type of bulb you're looking for is an H4. I highly recommend an "anti vibration" bulb considering the vibrations that a motorcycle, especially a v-twin motorcycle generate. The elements in these bulbs are supported instead of just free balling/swinging [LOL] in the air, and are therefore more apt to last longer. Some will say that this is not necessary and they've used normal cheap $8 H4's [that they replace 4 times a year vs. spending 4 times as much for a bulb that they replace once every 2 years...hmmmmm, ok] but you do get what you pay for. When I thought that my headlamp was putting out questionable light [you know, that old "yellow" car light that we all see coming towards us] I went out on an information quest and researched all the different available H4 bulbs and decided on a PIAA Super Plasma GT-X Anti-Vibration bulb. That sucka' was pricey but it projects a much more noticeable "blue/purple" low beam that stands out against oncoming traffic very well, and has an absolutely bright as $hit whiter than white high beam.



So check out your bulb, no reason to be 'fraidie-scared! Then once you've done that do like I did and go on an information quest and get learned about the different bulbs that are available so you can then make an educated decision, buy the bulb of your choice, and be back on your way.

=8^)

 

wow thats a lot of info. a lot of very helpful info.
this is why i love this site, so many helpful and knowledgeable people.
thanks for the help guys

 

If you don't like the purple glow, you may want to go with PIAA's Night Tech bulb. It glows white. It's not an anti-vibration bulb but it is made for powersports, which suggests it must have some type of anti-vibration properties. I bought one a few months ago and I can say the bulb is very bright compared to the stock bulb. And yes, it's expensive! Just remember not to touch the glass area of the bulb when changing. The oils from your fingers will get on the glass and cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.

http://www.piaa.com/store/p/162-H4-N...ogen-Bulb.aspx



-Beer

 

yeah you can say pricey again!
here in the UK i can get a normal H4 bulb for Ł10 at my local halfords.
i can get a Harley "performance" (lol) bulb for Ł23 from my local HD dealer.
or i can get the super blue'white anti-vibration for Ł55.
never realized how expensive a bulb could be

 

With a PIAA I think you're paying a little for the name but there aren't a lot of bulbs that compare in quality, IMO. Do you want a cheap bulb that may burn out while you're riding at night? You only have one light! The way I see it is, it's a one time expense that should last you many years. In the long run I think you get what you pay for. I might change mine again in about five years just to be on the safe side. Also, a PIAA doesn't get very hot compared to some cheaper bulbs.

-Beer

 

Knights, you're on the internet old chap!

1: your owners manual will tell you some of the stuff above and you should have one, if not you can download one from HD's website.
2: there are plenty of suppliers of headlights in the UK, from Halfords, any local car parts shop, plus many suppliers on the internet; search for 'auto bulbs'.
3: don't buy bulbs from a Harley dealer!
4. you won't find some of the brands mentioned above, you'll have to shop for yourself.
5: the tiny bulb you mention is a UK fitment IIRC, so our US friends may not have one!

 

thanks guys.

buying an overpriced Harley "performance" bulb was never gonna happen lol

i didnt have access to my manual at the timeof asking, and i completely forgot i could download a copy from HD (il remember that in the future).

iv found a few sites that stock some good bulbs for a reasonable price.
so il most likely pick one of these over a halfords own brand.
like Beer said, you get what you pay for