| Author | Message | ||
     Jonnyrotton |
The firebolt headlight bulletin states that all firebolt motorcycles(U.S.) delivered before September 2005 were recalled for the headlight upgrade. What is different about post September 2005 headlights? I noticed that 2008 firebolt headlights have a pattern engraved into the center part of the headlight. Are only the headlights with that engraved pattern the updated headlights? | ||
| Rsh |
The bulletin covers 2003 thru 2006 models: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/B076A.pdf The headlight housings look to be made of fiberglass or plastic with glass matt material in it. In other words the housings are more robust so they won't be prone to melting like the original lights. Also the lenses are different with the raised rings about the center as you noticed on the 2008 Firebolt. I have the replacement headlights, The lights are bright, I do not care for the light pattern. they leave a hole about 10 feet in front of the bike. | ||
| 4cammer |
Take the spoon out of the low beam, that should help. | ||
| Jonnyrotton |
I have taken the "spoon" out of the low beam. Also I read the bulletin, on the top it says 2003-2006 but if you read further it says affected bikes and gives dates of any bike delivered before september 0f 2005. | ||
| Rsh |
The bulletin list manufactured dates not delivered dates: Table 1. Affected Vehicle Build Dates Market Affected Vehicles CAL, CAN, DOM Vehicles built before 9/08/2005 AUS, ENG, JPN Vehicles built before 10/10/2005 EUR Vehicles built before 11/28/2005 What is the build date for your bike? A VIN list specific to vehicles shipped to your dealership is available via hdnet.com and is no longer attached to mailed bulletins. This list may be found by following this path: h-dnet.com/Service/Safety Campaign and Product Campaign/ Product Campaign and Open VIN Lists. Select 0501 campaign to view the VIN list. NOTE If the vehicle is not on your dealership VIN list, check the Safety and Product Campaign History by VIN link. When you took the spoon out of the low beam, what was the condition of the reflective coating? If it is in good condition it will look like chrome. If it looked any different it means the coating is degrading and the light output will be less. You cannot polish the coating as it will rub off and you will end up with a light bulb in basically a black plastic cup. Essentially to see any real brightness you have to line up directly in front of the headlight lens. When my lights had degraded well before the recall, I read a number of the idea's that were floating around this site, If you do a search you will find all kinds of discussions on the subject. I decided at the time I would try "chrome in a can" spray paint. It actually has metal in it. I took the housings all apart and prepped them for paint, sprayed them, let them dry, the insides looked great, very shiny, I could see my reflection. I reassembled everything and tried them out, the light output was great, I could actually see the road at night, it cost a whole $5.00 and a couple of hours work. I ran in that state until the recall came about. As I said before, I do not like the light pattern of the new lights. At least Buell did step up and realize there was a problem. If your lights have degraded and you did not receive a letter from Buell regarding the recall, Go to a dealer and have them check your VIN as described above, If that doesn't work try Buell customer service. Good Luck. |
