Headlight bulb out indicator

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1150R.

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VABeachBMW
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Headlight bulb out indicator

Post by VABeachBMW »

I learned something new :!:. I lurk frequently and don't recall seing this. My High beam indicator was lit with low intensity riding home Friday and sure enough, both :idea: headlight bulbs were out and only the "parking" lamp was lit. Fortunately it was daylight on a short commute and I had a spare bulb at home. I checked the owners manual and found no mention of this. It did mention the brake light filament would operate at low intensity if the running light filament was out and swith to bright as brakes were applied.
Mine's a 2002 non ABS with 25,700 miles. Like Cycle Rob, my only previous "failure" has been a license plate bulb. I am on original battery (++ battery tender when home), put the camchain tensioner upgrade in last month. Great bike, suits me well. Just pasing on info to this wonderful board. Sorry, no pics, haven't gone digital.. :oops:
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R4R&R
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Post by R4R&R »

Good to know. My R finally burned it's first bulb out - the low beam yesterday on my way home from the 4th bash. The high beam still worked, and I know the high beam indicator was NOT lit unless the high beam was on (which is how I made it the rest of the way home).

I have spare bulb that I should get installed in the next few days.
John
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'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
VABeachBMW
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Post by VABeachBMW »

Should have finished lurking. didn't realize last Friday was headlight bulb day..
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hank
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Post by hank »

I am going to replace my headlight bulb with a Philips X-Treme Power headlight bulb, 80% brighter for no extra current draw....

The blue look in your headlight even when the light is off and more power...

Available from http://www.nippynormans.com/departments.asp?dept=318

Hank 8)
DJ Downunder
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Post by DJ Downunder »

My first globe to burn out was also my little number plate globe..I've also had a couple of headlights globes go.

I just flick the hight beams on..and push the headlight down a bit so I don't blind oncoming trafic...That's a good thing about our rubber mounted headlight.

DJ
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rdsmith3
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Post by rdsmith3 »

First, I suggest everyone carry an extra bulb in their tank bag. I have one wrapped in bubble wrap, because you just never know when it might go out.

Second, the best lighting improvement you can make to your Roadster is to install a relay combined with a higher output bulb. I currently use a Philips 90/100 bulb (for off road use only, of course :wink: ).

I got a relay from Eastern Beaver, and it is very easy to install. If you use a relay, it means that the bulb is powered directly from the battery, and the little headlight switch does not get the full current draw.

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Home/Main/ ... _kits.html
Bob
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iowabeakster
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Post by iowabeakster »

Those bulbs which have greater output without greater current draw burn out FAST. They give off more light because they are much hotter. If you use those type, expect to put a freshy in often. I put a set of "silverstar" (I think they are called) in my car and they didn't last more than month or so.

I found the modest light improvement was not worth the price (especially over a long time).
I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray...
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rdsmith3
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Post by rdsmith3 »

I am not sure which types of bulbs you mean, but my 90/100 watt bulb has been shining for a couple of years so far.
Bob
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DJ Downunder
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Post by DJ Downunder »

My first Phillips Vision Plus only lasted two years..I've had the second one for two years and all's ok.

Bike globes should last longer than car globes because they burn continuisly..a burning globe is less likely to blow from vibration than a globe that's not burning.

Here's a pic of the globes that I use..I'm sure there's better ones out there but they are cheap and are so much better than the stock ones.

DJ

Image
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