K11 Owners Group

Geoff · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 3:39 pm Post subject: Headlight Question

When I stored my '94 K1100RS a couple months ago, the headlight worked fine. Now, the low beam doesn't work. The high beam works fine, so I trust there's no problem with a fuse or the switch. I checked the connector at the headlight. Do I need a new bulb or is there something else I should check?

On another note...a post on the MOA message board said Sylvania Silverstar bulbs are short lived? Any truth to this comment? What's the part number for a Sylvania Silverstar for my bike. Does the Silverstar draw the same wattage as the stock lamp?
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2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:01 pm Post subject:

It MIGHT be the switch but chances are that it's the bulb. If you have a voltmeter, then check the coltage at the socket that goes onto the headlight bulb to make sure.

Suppsoedly the US Silverstar bulbs are OK but what you really want is the European version. I don't know where you'd get one though. You might want to drop Jim Davis at Eastern Beaver a note http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/main.html to see if he knows how you can find one of the good ones in the US.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Geoff · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject:

If the problem was the switch, why would the high beam work? Are the high/low beams on different circuits at the switch? I think it's the bulb, too. I'll visit a dealer tis week and pick one up.
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2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Das Boot · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:41 pm Post subject:

Klinker · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Headlight Question

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:07 pm Post subject:

Geoff · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:18 pm Post subject:

Thanks!
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2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Jim · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:46 pm Post subject: hedlight

Geoff - I have Sylvania something (maybe Silverstar) bulbs that came from Europe. They're quite bright - haven't burned one out yet. I use a headlight relay from Jim at Eastern Beaver.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

mrsevendog · Big Brick Rider Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 65

Here's a link in the states to get the euro version of silverstars. http://murpskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_28&products_id=60&osCsid=2d9438e31cb057ffc8666ee87e01fb97

wera32 · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:39 pm Post subject:

Geoff, Take the bulb out and look at it. If it's burned out you'll be able to tell and if it looks ok just check for continuity between the pins on the bulb. If you have and "open" the bulb is bad.
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Paul - '93 K11/12RS (sold), 2002 R1100S BCP and '03 RC51 KOG 29

Off the grid · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:51 pm Post subject:

A good solution for the future is to just not store your bike anymore. Surprised

_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

mnb · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 4:09 am Post subject:

Geoff · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:04 am Post subject:

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:52 am Post subject:

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure on your year but some of the RT/LT/RS headlights have a little ring holding the bulb in. You have to turn the little ring (sharp edges) to get the bulb out and getting it poistioned right to put it back in is a PITA with the LT fairing.

Be thankful if you pull back the rubber boot and find the kind where you just have to squeeze the two halves of the clip together.

i wouldn't owrry about wearing gloves - it's pretty easy to install the H4 bulb without touching the glass. When I do inadvertently touch the bulbs, I just clean them off with rubbing alcohol.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

mnb · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 3:31 pm Post subject:

Geoff · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:32 pm Post subject:

I picked up a replacement bulb. (Haven't installed it yet.) The dealer I visited advised me to stick with the stock bulb because higher wattage bulbs can actually melt the headlight assembly.
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:36 pm Post subject:

FYI: A xenon bulb of the same wattage (55/60W) will produce more light and less heat than a comparable halogen 55/60W.

What your dealer was referring to was running a higher wattage halogen bulb. For example, if you ran a 90/100W halogen then it would produce more heat and probably melt the headlight casing and/or burn the reflctor.

However, the bigger issue if you haven't upgraded to relays is that with all of the power gouing throug hthe switch it probably won't last long.

I have relays and upgraded wiring on both of my bikes and run 90/100W xenon bubls in both of my bikes. I've put about 8k on the LT since doing this and had no problems. I did the same on my K100RS4V and had no problems and put 10k on that without incident - and that includes long hours in the saddle in SoCal during the summer months.

The only "issue" I have is that I have running a 90/100 xenon H4 is that I have to be very careful about verticla beam alignment of the low beam because if the low beam is hitting the eyes of oncoming cars or carsi in front of me at night it will not be good - not to mention the possiblity of getting a ticky since 90/100W bulbs of any kind are technically illegal for on road use.

That said, the increased brightenss of running a 90/100W xenon has made a noticeable difference in the number of cars that "don't see me" so I'm sold on this setup.

The other nice thing about the xenon bulbs is that they have a bluer less yellow appearance so your from the front your bike doesn't look like the antigue from the last century that it is.

If you don't plan on installing relays, I'd strongly recommend giving a <
$10 a pair set of xenons from ebay a try. It's only $10/pair and you might just like it - the lighting at night will be improved at the very least.

WARNING: Do not run a 90/100W xenon bulb unless you have installed relays and upgraded the headlight wiring - either with one of Jim Davis' kits or using "roll-your-own" relays like i haveon the RS and my brother's K75S. Otherwise you will fyr the skimpy stock wiring or at the veyr least, greatly reduce the lifespan of the hi/lo switch.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Geoff · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject:

I installed a replacement (stock) bulb and everything works fine. Life is good again.
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic