Head light longevity

[kbwitt]

Hi have a 2014 rts right head light died after about a year now out again, is this typical about a year?

Thanks Kenn

 

[Chupaca]

Tough one...

Depending on the brand and style of bulb. They are not all the same but on my RS H7 type the oem lasted ittle over two years. Went to a whiter type that lasted less and now have a different brand (from auto parts store) and doing well so far....:spyder:

 

[BoilerAnimal]

It's a good idea to use bulb grease when replacing headlights, especially halogen bulbs, and don't touch halogen bulbs with your bare skin.

 

[UtahPete]

Hi have a 2014 rts right head light died after about a year now out again, is this typical about a year? Thanks Kenn

The halogens are more susceptible to failure from vibration than LEDs because of the fragile filaments. It's not an age thing per se but the number of miles and type of road that will affect longevity.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

BULB LIFE

The halogens are more susceptible to failure from vibration than LEDs because of the fragile filaments. It's not an age thing per se but the number of miles and type of road that will affect longevity.

:agree: .... LED's could last the life of the bike ........ they do sell heavy duty Halogens for Mtc's ....... but they can't compare in any way to LED's ... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Grandpot]

one example of bulb life

I have a 2011 RTS with 20,000 miles. Still have the original bulbs. Now that I am jinxing myself, I can expect them to burn out on my next ride.

 

[ARtraveler]

It is sounding like 2014's have an issue. I replaced two headlight bulbs since I bought it. The 2011 has had none--and we are at the same mileage (28K) on both.

I recently replaced the 2014's with the LED's from TriCLED. So far--they are both still working.

:thumbup:

 

[JayBros]

Both of my headlight bulbs went at 2 1/2 years and about 23,500 miles +/-. If one goes, replace both of them at the same tiime; don't ask how I know.

BoilerAnimal is spot on about not touching the bulb with your bare hands as it will drastically shorten the life. I saw absolutely no evidence of water intrusion into either light housing, no any evidence of dialectric grease on the old bulbs so I did not use any when installing the new bulbs. Replacing the bulbs is not a difficult job, just a bit time consuming because of the Tupperware removal and reinstallation. If you opt to DIY, there are some tips here: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?105996-Headlight-problem&p=1276066#post1276066.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

BULB LIFE

I have a 2011 RTS with 20,000 miles. Still have the original bulbs. Now that I am jinxing myself, I can expect them to burn out on my next ride.

:agree::agree::agree: ...... My GS and later my RSS never needed a bulb change ....my 14 RT has both done twice :banghead::banghead::banghead:..... I don't know if it's possible but BRP may be using an inferior bulb supplier :lecturef_smilie: ....... I have the TRiCled - LED's now so it's not my problem :yikes:....... Mike :thumbup: