| Author | Message | ||
     Hogs |
http://www.sequentialtaillights.com/buckets.html Just wonder what you guys think on this tape read down the link, Seems to be better than painting the insides???? | ||
| Xl1200r |
I was actually thinking of trying the same thing, as well trying to get some aluminum foil in there. The headache is going to be getting an adhesive that will stand the heat. | ||
| Chainsaw |
The 3M reflective tape isn't very heat resistant. Manufacturer says 140 degrees is about it. IMHO I think a headlight application would be too hot. | ||
| Edstevens |
Hogs Just an alternative to stock lights go to www.rallylights.com/hella/90mm_modules.asp. Susquehanna Motor Sports has good information on their website. I ride an 03 XB9SL and the stock lights are marginal especially riding at night here in West Virginia. I am still looking for a good solution. Your post gave some great information about the light measurement. I like Daniel Stearn's website to for good lighting information. He's a lighting consultant. | ||
| Old_man |
As I have said before, a chromed, or polished stainless, steel insert could be fabricated to fix the problem. In the quantities needed to retrofit all the plastic headlight Buells, the X and R models, the price should be quite reasonable. I don't expect Buell to do it. So It's up to the aftermarket to fix the problem. | ||
| Edmbueller |
Sounds like an opportunity for one of our sponsors! | ||
| Rd3501 |
What??? Buell should fix it what are you talking about....This isnt a tranny or a new swingarm...this the lighting..that is not working...its a known problem and when someone ends up dead over Buell trying to save .10 cents in metal inserts is just wrong... Court...where are you when we need you...got any advise on this one....... | ||
| Edmbueller |
Rd3501; I couldn't agree more, however it seems to be apparent that Buell is not going take care of it. Badwebbers have always been some of the most inventive people I have ever "met", and I, for one, would rather spend a few dollars and have safety and peace of mind. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Anyone have any idea just how hot things get inside the headlights? | ||
| Ridrx |
"spend a few dollars and have safety and peace of mind"... correct,but it should be Buell's "few dollars". When I bought my bike,I bought new so that I would have peace of mind. I think since I practically paid sticker for my 12R, I've already spent a few dollars,but alas, I still don't have it. How many "dollars" should it cost me to have working lights on my brand new(6 mos. old) bike? Can you loan me $40? It's time for my six month headlamp assembly swap.  | ||
| Aldaytona |
BMC isn't in any hurry to fix it, but you can do yourself and all other XBR owners. Report this SAFETY issue to NHTSA. Today, right now. You aren't connecting to that site yet?  | ||
| Ridrx |
Aldaytona, I reported mine promptly after getting a $35 ticket for a "blown headlamp". But that does not release BMC from their obligation to recall these lights, they (BMC/Dealers)are still selling them today KNOWING this problem exists. I just hope someone isn't hurt or killed before this is acknowledged. I'm not spending alot of time/money trying to engineer headlamps because,A) I don't have enough of either,B) BMC should have done this long ago. | ||
| Old_man |
When I said "I don't expect Buell to do it.", I didn't mean I didn't think it was their responsibility - I DO! But I know that they probably won't. | ||
| Gowindward |
Go to www.Safercar.gov and file with the NHTSA. | ||
| Saintly |
I just searched NHTSA and found only six headlamp complaints on file! 4 "03" models, 1 "04", and one "06" If no-one files a complaint, nothing will ever get done about this safety issue. BMC will not have to take responsibility for their flaw! Please, if not for the sake of yourselves then for the sake of other firebolt riders, go to NHTSA and let them know that our bikes are unsafe! Use Gowindward's link above and make your voices heard. I did! | ||
| Saintly |
Anyone have any idea just how hot things get inside the headlights? Is this hot enough? : http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/249692.html?1170945540 | ||
| Clot |
My complaint is in - I'm the '06. 4000km on the clock, checked the reflector after a separate wiring issue and what do you know, flaking silver! Getting a new assembly fitted by the dealer though and under warranty too! Still not good enough though... | ||
| Chainsaw |
These guys might be able to come up with a solution if anyone is willing to do the legwork. http://www.muellercorp.com/reflectors.htm | ||
| Snackbar64 |
In case you guys hadn't checked out my previous post concerning the poor head lights on the bolt. I tore the front end of the bike down, opened the reflector beam and coated it with reynolds aluminum foil (both pieces coated from lens on down). Lights have never been brighter and it was worth the two hours or so it took to perform. It is better than a stock bike with silver stars off the showroom floor. These things really light up the road. Best part is that it seems like a permanent fix to a long term problem with these bikes. Foil dissipates heat. So much for the clear duck tape I used to secure the foil to the walls of the reflector housing. | ||
| Isham |
How about chroming the plastic. http://www.muellercorp.com/reflectors.htm  I painted my housings with chrome paint with a few coats and it's still holding up well i'm sure chroming then would work even better. (Message edited by isham on February 17, 2007) | ||
| Bueaddicted |
Damn, that's BLING!!!!!!  | ||
| Ulendo |
cross linked post - my bad. there's got to be a delete on here somewhere! (Message edited by ulendo on February 17, 2007) | ||
| Hkwan |
I am filing at the NHTSA site. When I get to model of Buell, there is no 'R' model selection at all. They have Blast, 12s, 12sl. what do you guys do when filing? | ||
| Hogs |
If you see my post at the begining I don`t think it having to be smooth wd. make a difference..IT may help to reflect MORE light being crinkle abit.. I don`t know for sure..BUT wd. be good to give it a shot and let us know how it is...! Sorry wrong post..! (Message edited by hogs on February 21, 2007) | ||
| Saintly |
I am filing at the NHTSA site. When I get to model of Buell, there is no 'R' model selection at all. They have Blast, 12s, 12sl. what do you guys do when filing? I just went to the nhtsa site, and I see what you mean. They have removed firebolts from the model choices for all but 2003 model year. Hell, for 07 you can only choose XB12X! So now firebolt owners with faulty headlamps cannot file a complaint! Edit: I figured out the "glitch in their system. For "03" you can enter "buell" as the manufacturer and make, but for "04" and newer models, you must choose "harley-davidson motor company" as the manufacturer and then choose buell as the make. When you do this you will get the firebolt options. (Message edited by saintly on February 21, 2007) | ||
| Ridrx |
It is official Buell could give a sh// less about you(me) or the product once you sign. The stealership only wants to rob you every chance they get and the manufacturer already has. I reported mine last week, now it appears BMC went deep into the pocket to stifle this. Just plain sad. My VFR was stolen Sun. so I now have to decide if I am even going to keep my R. I ride/commute every day and common sense as well as the law mandate F'n headlights(its DARK at 4am). The dealer told me to bring it in and they would replace the housing THIS TIME... what is that crap? I guess after that I am on my own. | ||
| Ridrx |
I shall try again and I owe an apology for the deep pocket statement. MY bad. Just easy to get going about this. Sorry. |
