Headlight out, more trouble inside...

[Duffy]

My headlight went out a couple weeks ago on the way home, after I had my bright light on. I went back to low beam from high beam and the low beam was gone. Went back to high beam and made it home.

Forgot about it (of course) until today.

Today the high beam burnt out. This is what I found.

Check out the pictures of the plug the headlight plugs in to:




This is the back of the bulb, which was crumbling and falling apart as I tried to get it unplugged.

That third picture is funny looking (that is a plastic bag the bulb is sitting on.)

[John Schmidt]

What's the wattage of your headlight bulb? Generally, if it's much more than OEM you need to go to a heavier duty harnes/plug for the bulb, otherwise you get what you're showing us...eventually. And when you do change the harness and plug, I would suggest you install the relay to take the current load off the starter switch(see link below). Have you looked at that lately, bet it's showing similar signs of burning and will soon leave you stranded. Scroll down to "Start Switch Safeguard" and take heed.

http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/starter.html

[Thunderbolt]

Duffy, that looks like either you replaced the bulb with one that draws/pulls too much current or the connection was loose where it was plugged in resulting in a high resistance connection.  Maybe someone will remember what the part number was that someone used to replace the OEM plug with that had more capacity or was more heavy duty.

[Duffy]

I bought this Valk about 4 years ago from a guy in FL. It does look like the burned out one is not OEM.

It has: H4 12V 100/80W P43T on the rim.

[Duffy]

John - looking at that Rattlebars link makes me want to mention I had this trouble a while back:


That's the main fuse and starter relay (?) if I remember right. I replaced them but was never really sure of the cause.

[Duffy]

According to this: http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148025&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1997&fveh=3465

the OEM replacement is 12V60/55W and the one that was in there was 12V80/100W. 

That could be the problem.

[John Schmidt]

According to this: http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148025&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1997&fveh=3465

the OEM replacement is 12V60/55W and the one that was in there was 12V80/100W. 

That could be the problem.

Most definitely....my opinion only. I don't have the source for the higher wattage setup either but I've found it unnecessary to install one that high. With my driving lights and the Sylvania bulb giving off a whiter light, I can see waaaay down the road.

[jer0177]

You'll want to install the relay for the headlights and use this socket for the bulb:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Motormite-9003-H4-bulbs-high-temperature-headlight-socket/_/N-25v6?itemIdentifier=767899_0_0_

It will not melt like the other one did - even if you keep the high wattage bulb. 

[Warlock]

My headlight went out a couple weeks ago on the way home, after I had my bright light on. I went back to low beam from high beam and the low beam was gone. Went back to high beam and made it home.

Forgot about it (of course) until today.

Today the high beam burnt out. This is what I found.

Check out the pictures of the plug the headlight plugs in to:




This is the back of the bulb, which was crumbling and falling apart as I tried to get it unplugged.

That third picture is funny looking (that is a plastic bag the bulb is sitting on.)

This guy makes some good stuff. Plug and play. He uses your plug to trigger the plug that is wired into your battery. Takes a little while to get it, from Japan but top notch.
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/H4_Kits/h4_kits.html
David

[Duffy]

You'll want to install the relay for the headlights and use this socket for the bulb:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Motormite-9003-H4-bulbs-high-temperature-headlight-socket/_/N-25v6?itemIdentifier=767899_0_0_

It will not melt like the other one did - even if you keep the high wattage bulb. 

This looks like the best option for me right now, I can go pick it up tonight across town. Hopefully they will have a bulb too.

[jer0177]

You'll want to install the relay for the headlights and use this socket for the bulb:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Motormite-9003-H4-bulbs-high-temperature-headlight-socket/_/N-25v6?itemIdentifier=767899_0_0_

It will not melt like the other one did - even if you keep the high wattage bulb. 

This looks like the best option for me right now, I can go pick it up tonight across town. Hopefully they will have a bulb too.

If you're not doing the relay part, definitely "downgrade" the bulb or you may soon have an ignition switch that doesn't work anymore.

[gordonv]

I've been using this companies head light modulator, and have been very happy with it. He also has these wiring harness, which I think it what you could also us.

http://www.bikerbuddy.net/content/gonzo%E2%80%99s-headlight-harness

Made by a biker for bikers, in the USA.

[Duffy]

Thanks all for your input and advice. Thanks to you. my headlight is fixed.

I used the autozone headlight socket and the 55/60 bulb. the new wire and socket is noticeably sturdier than the original. 

It works.