| Author | Message | ||
     Steve_mackay |
My fix *IS NOT* a bolt in fix. And it's not my fix. Someone else did this first, I don't remember who. the 90MM Hells require a bit of work to fit behind the fairing. Anyone who has seen my bike up close will see that. But, another solution is to actually swap the front fairing for the 1125Rs fairing and headlight assembly. I *MAY* do this, this winter. This also isn't a bolt on solution. While the fairing, and fairing stay will physically bolt on to our frames, the instrument cluster mounts different. I'll have to design up, and machine a bracket to fit the XB's cluster to the 1125Rs fairing bracket. As much as I like Buell, and am friends with several Buell engineers, I think they need to resolve the headlight situation. I have been thinking about making a 'kit' to mount the Hellas. But haven't had the time to do it. It would require re-designing and machining up a piece that replaces that plastic piece that bolts to the magnesium fairing bracket. This wouldn't be an inexpensive piece. It would require a minimum of 3 setups in my CNC machining center. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Pics of my Ulybolt and the Hella project. http://picasaweb.google.com/mackay.steve/HellaLigh tsForXB12XRSTT | ||
| Ducxl |
Hey Jackass ( Z ),Saintly forgot to tell you about his "other" XB9r with fried headlights. Yeah..they really illuminate! One night they CAUGHT FIRE  THEY CAUGHT FIRE!!!! And nearly downed him!! (Message edited by ducxl on October 28, 2007) | ||
| Fireflyer |
I would HAPPILY pay Buell or any aftermarket company with my own $ for some better reflectors for my Firebolt.  | ||
| Ridrx |
If I have to pay for the solution out of my own pocket on a bike under warranty(1yr fact./5yr ext. left), I won't be paying Buell. I feel the initial purchase price of $10k+ for a "Premium" motorcycle should have covered such luxuries as HEADLIGHTS!. Hella or PIAA will be getting my money(if I can ever save enough, I am after all just a poor working stiff))for new lights. Ducxl, the "light years" quote is funny considering the topic...no offense Court. That said...I still wouldn't give up my 'Bolt for any other bike. | ||
| Ducxl |
Me neither,except maybe for my new and vastly improved 996.BMC makes a superb product,but shortcoming are shortcomings and BMC needs to provide a solution.My Xb is out of warrantee,but i'd gladly pay BMC for a solution | ||
| Newbolt |
How many takers would be needed to make fabricating the brackets worth while? I am in. Anyone else interested in an install kit/solution?It would be nice if BMC stepped up with a solution, but I just really want it fixed even if I have to pony up the cash. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I guess my biggest fear (being on a fixed income, due to disability,at present) is that there will be a recall the day after I spend my (limited) funds on parts to fix the headlights. I will be making repairs this winter one way or the other, I was just hoping for some sort of resolution before I reach that point. Like I've said, I'm a patient guy, but I'm reaching my breaking point on this one. | ||
| Fireflyer |
"I would HAPPILY pay Buell or any aftermarket company with my own $ for some better reflectors for my Firebolt".... Sorry guys, I only say that because I own an 03, and I don't think after 5-6 years that Buell will ever give me a free headlight fix. At this point, I'd just like to be able to see better at night. Don't get me wrong, I think these things were poorly made and something should have already been done. I just don't see it happening. | ||
| Ducxl |
I just don't see it happening. Well i'll still DEMAND a solution.Even if it takes the US gov. to force it.It's a safety threat.And BMC will not sell a product that will threaten the safety of it's consumers.....PERIOD | ||
| Blake |
You mean like motorcycles?  Ever get a flat tire? Ever have a headlight burn out? The over-dramatization about faulty headlights is unhelpful. Buell is diligently working the issue as best they can. If anyone is truly intent upon "DEMANDING a solution", they should consider filing a lawsuit or at a minimum sending a pertinent and professionally worded letter to the folks at Buell Motorcycle Company. Has anyone here done that? I'm guessing no. Incessantly griping and ranting emotionally about the problem here won't solve anything. Stop griping and take concrete action to resolve the problem. Or don't. But enough with the relentless indignation and griping already. | ||
| Saintly |
Yeah, I guess your right Blake. We should stop bitching about this and just take it up the ass like good little buell customers. Thanks. | ||
| Brumbear |
wow I had to look some of those words up. hey this is what forums are for in part | ||
| Bads1 |
Ya kinda are. Its all bitching. Do something anything please...... please......please for crying out loud.lol | ||
| Ducxl |
Buell is diligently working the issue as best they can Can you provide FACTS to support that statement? I'm guessing you cannot, and that would be the worlds first inaccurate response our fearless leader has made. Really...thanks,Blake,for providing such a high profile message board for Buell consumers..Really...my hat's off to you.It likely rubs some posters abrasively that BMC may actually be manufacturing defective products...And that's saddening...i'm a sap | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
At Homecoming, I stopped at the station on the production line where the headlight assembly is attached to the bike and inquired as to upgrades to the headlight assembly. I was told by a person proclaiming to be an engineer he wasn't aware of a problem with the headlights. He went so far as to walk over to an assembly, pick it up and check to see if the part number had been changed for 08. It could be this particular engineer isn't involved with the headlight assembly or relevant information isn't getting back to the factory. | ||
| Ridrx |
"relevant information isn't getting back to the factory" http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=32777&post=345621#POST345621 | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
well here are my headlights. They are the 90mm hella's.  For those that REALLY think BMC is going to help you here, Wait a few more years and then you can jump on the wagon too... If it hasn't happened by now it isn't going to. I find it easier to just fix it myself and be done with it. Risking injury over poorly designed headlights is not an option for ME and MY FAMILY.  (Message edited by Blake on October 28, 2007) | ||
| Blake |
"We should stop bitching about this and just take it up the ass like good little buell customers." So to you motorcycle headlight reflectors that degrade over time are akin to being analy raped? Oh the drama. If you'd read my post, I gave you a positive suggestion for helping to actually resolve the issue, write a pertinent and professionally worded letter to the folks at Buell about. Mere "bitching" about any problem whether here or anywhere is unlikely to garner desirable results. Sent that letter yet? "Can you provide FACTS to support that statement? I'm guessing you cannot, and that would be the worlds first inaccurate response our fearless leader has made. Really...thanks,Blake,for providing such a high profile message board for Buell consumers..Really...my hat's off to you.It likely rubs some posters abrasively that BMC may actually be manufacturing defective products...And that's saddening...i'm a sap" Wow, so now you are attacking/maligning me too? I'm in very good company. What a swell fellow you are. I have the word of someone I trust, someone who has repeatedly exhibited integrity beyond the call of duty and who has confided in me. I'll not violate that confidence in order to impress you, certainly not after you've basically called me a liar. Written/sent that letter yet? There are a horde of engineers at BMC. Some work in quality assurance, some are familiar with the electrical/lighting systems. Most are not. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Well, I have another (my 2nd) letter in the mailbox waiting to be picked up now, and I filed with the NHSTA which i really didn't want to do. I hate getting the government involved in anything because from my experience there is nothing that the career bureaucrats in our government won't slow down and make ridiculously expensive for everyone involved with their red tape. | ||
| No_rice |
i must be a freak of nature. i have 2 XBR's. one with 21,000 and i finally did just replace the low beam that had flaked the coating off with another highbeam. the other now has about 7,000 miles on the stock lights. i ride daily and alot at night. my main helmet has had a black shield on it since 5 minutes after i pulled it out of the box they day i got it and i still seem to be able to see at night even at a high rate of speed(nothing like a giant game of frogger with all the deer around here) i guess i just dont remember the last time i worried about dying because my headlights were to dim or whatever. now i am not saying that i dont think they should be fixed, i dont like the idea that they gradually get dimmer and start to melt the housing and could use to be replaced EVEN when the light still lights. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
i must be a freak of nature. Umm... You really want us to comment on that statement?  Firebolteric_ma, good on you for doing the kit thing. But I think you're in for more than you bargain for. Especially if you do the plate like I did. You still have to heavily modify the plastic that attaches to the fairing stay. That's not the way I'd do it, if I had to do it over again. | ||
| No_rice |
lol well... | ||
| Ccryder |
Heck I've been upgrading headlights as long as I can remember. My ST1300 has been upgraded with HID, 1100X plus 004XT. Do I have enough light now? Well it sure lights up the darkness and if the loose nut behind the bars stays alert, I've got a great chance at avoiding what might do me harm. My 04' r has decent, replaced, headlights. But not good enough for me so, I've added PIAA 1100X and in the process of the 90mm Hellas. Heck, if there wasn't a flaky reflector problem I would of had to engineer something all by my lonesome. I wish to thank the fine Buelligans that pioneered this upgrade. What am I really saying, when Buell replaces the discrepant headlights do you really think you will be satisfied??? Some will, just because they got something "free", some won't because the replacements will not meet their expectations. I can look into my crystal ball and see that BMC is working on a solution, doesn't your crystal ball show the same thing? Hmm, I just guess you are behind the technology curve, or maybe just blinded by the whining going on. Time2Ride Neil S. | ||
| Unibear12r |
I started a long reply too... but some people appear to have pushed themselves beyond logic and it would be of no use I fear. I'm trying to point out that the very things that some are trying to use as their holy sword against BMC are the very same things that has at times in the past bound and gagged companies like BMC into having to continue with the bad parts. These things do not just work for or protect just you, or even BMC for that matter. The lighting subcontractor may have a lot more power/control at this point than anybody else. Getting upset at anybody at this point, including BMC is a waste of emotion. What we in our everyday normal viewpoint feel is logical or proof rarely translates into that world. Quit the rant and just work logically towards your goal. Just remember its possible that nothing may ever come of it, and if so, and you were ever to find out the actual facts even you might think that Buell was actually the only "good guy" in the whole mess. None of us really knows who's doing what at this point. Getting mad at anybody right now is a waste and quite likely misdirected. | ||
| Diablobrian |
For me at least it is not anger but frustration causing me to speak out. I work very hard at eliminating the variables that are a factor in my safety when I ride so that I can enjoy riding. So I've been accused of being over-wrought because I'm one of the ATGATT people, and after having a plug blow out I don't trust them to do more than get me home. So be it, I can live with people thinking I'm living "too safe". To that I reply if I didn't I would not still be alive. That's not opinion, that's fact. As it is I'm still lucky to be alive. There are so many things that are outside of my influence that when something as obviously faulty as a reflective coating that breaks down in heat (who would have guessed that the bulbs would actually radiate heat and cause the reflector to get hot?) I find it troubling. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
How long does it take for them to noticeably deteriorate? How much do the reflectors cost to replace? | ||
| Diablobrian |
It took 2500 miles for the low beam reflector on my bike to go bad enough to degrade the output a significant amount. It cost about $50 per headlight assembly. Hella 90mms are actually roughly equal in price or even a bit cheaper per unit for replacement, but once they are in you don't have to replace them after the initial install. It is just the modification of the mount and wiring (that equals down time) that scares people off. It should cost a little over $100 to replace both headlights and buy the stock to make the mount since I have a machine shop in my garage. Unfortunately not everyone on the board has that particular option available to them. (Message edited by diablobrian on October 29, 2007) | ||
| Unibear12r |
In some regards we are quite alike Diablo. I understand the frustration. When something like this happens an investigation is started (we hope!). Who will be the major players? Hard to say but BMC could be one of the smaller players. They contracted out the lights and likely provided little in the way of specs even, relying on their hired experts. It's possible that at the moment it's all caught up in legalese and I'd bet Harley takes care of that. I would think the Safety Board has to spend a lot more time with the light supplier than BMC. What INDUSTRY standards do the lights not meet? What is an unacceptable failure rate according to INDUSTRY standards? Is it "heat" that degrades the reflector or a specific emission from only certain kinds of lamps? Buell might only be guilty of not asking the right question and not knowing the right question at contract time. They've had a GREAT record of picking good subs but maybe this is one of the rare times they flubbed. This could take years to settle... or maybe it'll be next week. What do we know. If you need good lights now do a conversion. If all you want is rapid satisfaction you are going to be very frustrated. | ||
| Unibear12r |
And those Hellas work far better than, and look far better than brand new stock lights do IMHO. |
