Headlamp bulb burning out...

[nater]

So the low beam headlamp bulb on my 2006 GSXR 750 just burned a month after I installed it.  The last one I put in lasted all of last year.  Both of them were standard bulbs from the auto parts store.  Should I get a bulb from a different manufacturer?

[M.Brane]

 Could be an indication of a wiring issue. Headlight bulbs don't like voltage fluctuations.

[bomber]

clean up the contacts very well . . . . . I had a similar issue, and cleaning fixed it . . . .

[Justin]

clean up the contacts very well . . . . . I had a similar issue, and cleaning fixed it . . . .

I would also test the whole headlamp harness for impedance, and put a voltmeter on it (non digital) to check for spikes. DVM's don't catch those unless you have a peak voltage attachment.

[motomem]

Yeah what they say - and make sure you don't touch the glass on the bulb.

[Justin]

Yeah what they say - and make sure you don't touch the glass on the bulb.

big +1 on that. True for any high temp bulb. The oil from your fingers left on the bulb can cause it to crack the glass of the bulb when it heats up. Once the glass breaks, the vacuum is lost, and once the filament meets air, sad things happen.

[reppans]

Try some dielectric grease on the contacts.  I had a bike that blew 4 bulbs in a year - tech put some dielectric grease on, and that stopped the problem for me.

[02Tac]

I am going to assume that your GSXR has the same issue the Bandits have/had. The stock headlight wiring sucks and that is being kind.  I too had bulb issues, that is until I installed one of Eastern Beavers HB3/HB4 Headlight Relay Kits.

 - http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Non-H4_Kits/non-h4_kits.html -
 
This kit not only gave me excellent bulb life by basically eliminating voltage flux, it also provides the lights with the correct operating voltage.  If you stock wiring is anythin like that on the Bandit, you will see a huge improvement in light output when install this kit.  

Installation is very straight forward.

[nater]

I'll start with cleaning the contacts and putting some dielectric grease on them.  Then I'll let you know what happens.

[VAbikeguy]

My 2009 KLR 650 has been going through some headlight issues for the past several months that I slowly tried to resolve. Every time I hit the high beam switch, I'd blow the fuse for both the low beam and high beam.  I tried new bulbs and oddly enough it solved the problem for about a day. Today, I finally got serious about resolving the problem. I taped any possible rub point of the harness on the frame, cleaned headlamp connectors and applied dialectic grease. For now my problem is resolved. We'll see if I'm good to go after a day or two. (crossing fingers, cause riding in pitch black with no lights except your turn signals isn't fun)

[ninetysix-ex-jay]

If you have a clip on amp meter check what the lamp is drawing and see if you can compare it to stock.  Check the wires all the way back to see if one is frayed and contacting the frame.

[nater]

A little update.  I cleaned the connections, put dielectric grease on them, and replaced the bulb.  I did not see any wear areas on the wiring.  I've been on three rides since and the headlight is still working.  I haven't had to switch to the high beam yet, though.  I'll see if it continues to last...

[nater]

I am going to assume that your GSXR has the same issue the Bandits have/had. The stock headlight wiring sucks and that is being kind.  I too had bulb issues, that is until I installed one of Eastern Beavers HB3/HB4 Headlight Relay Kits.

 - http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Non-H4_Kits/non-h4_kits.html -
 
This kit not only gave me excellent bulb life by basically eliminating voltage flux, it also provides the lights with the correct operating voltage.  If you stock wiring is anythin like that on the Bandit, you will see a huge improvement in light output when install this kit.  

Installation is very straight forward.

Low beam blew again.  I just got done ordering the non-H4 wiring from easternbeaver.  Thanks for the reference!

[Carbonero]

Also, get to know testing for voltage drop. That can clue you in on dirty contacts, internally-corroded wiring, heat-crisped wiring, etc.

If you're blowing bulbs frequently you really have limited things that it could be; you're either dropping voltage off and on quickly, or you're over driving your bulb. What you're most likely going to find is that you've got a grounding issue (causing frequent and sharp drops in voltage), or you're spiking voltage (over driving the bulb). Spiking would most likely be caused by a faulty regulator, or connection in your charging circuit.

I know the author of this book and I recommend it highly. He covers many diagnostic concerns pretty thoroughly.

http://www.amazon.com/Diagnose-Automotive-Electrical-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760320993

[02Tac]

Also, get to know testing for voltage drop. That can clue you in on dirty contacts, internally-corroded wiring, heat-crisped wiring, etc.

If you're blowing bulbs frequently you really have limited things that it could be; you're either dropping voltage off and on quickly, or you're over driving your bulb. What you're most likely going to find is that you've got a grounding issue (causing frequent and sharp drops in voltage), or you're spiking voltage (over driving the bulb). Spiking would most likely be caused by a faulty regulator, or connection in your charging circuit.

I know the author of this book and I recommend it highly. He covers many diagnostic concerns pretty thoroughly.

http://www.amazon.com/Diagnose-Automotive-Electrical-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760320993

 The stock harnesses are so bad, that you can see the head light pulse in time with the turn signals!

[Carbonero]

 The stock harnesses are so bad, that you can see the head light pulse in time with the turn signals!

Perhaps, but he shouldn't be blowing lights at this frequency. Something is amiss, in addition to any inherent weaknesses in the harness design.

[bomber]

Perhaps, but he shouldn't be blowing lights at this frequency. Something is amiss, in addition to any inherent weaknesses in the harness design.

That could also be a battery on the way south, an RR unit ailing, a loose ground conenction to the battery . . . . .

[02Tac]

There is also the possibility the voltage regulator is allowing voltage to get to high.

[Carbonero]

That could also be a battery on the way south, an RR unit ailing, a loose ground conenction to the battery . . . . .

I think that's my point; the "crappy harness" and "crappy stock bulbs" may not be the cause.

[nater]

That could also be a battery on the way south, an RR unit ailing, a loose ground conenction to the battery . . . . .

The  battery is a brand new YUSA that I installed  this spring.

[bomber]

The  battery is a brand new YUSA that I installed  this spring.

Have I bored you with my story of "new" parts that failed quickly?

No?

Pull up a chair, nater!