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Author Message   Damnut Posted on Monday, May 28, 2007 - 09:24 pm:        LOL that's great. I was glad to do it. I have rubber all over the bottom of my tail. Speaking of rear lights...... how bright is my Ermax taillight? I believe that it is brighter than a stock one. How bout switching to an American Sport Bike taillight? Wouldn't that be better than stock?   Crusty Posted on Monday, May 28, 2007 - 09:53 pm:        I put 1157 LED bulbs on my M2 and my wife's Guzzi. They're much brighter, and the vibration doesn't bother them. As far as the headlights, you don't need my approval to put any headlights whatsoever (or even none, if you want) on your bike. However, if you start whining about how unsafe they are and how Buell doesn't care, I'll gladly jump in your shit.   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Monday, May 28, 2007 - 11:02 pm:        I'll gladly jump in your shit. Yuck...But hey if that floats your boat...Jump away!! I still stand firmly behind what I have said..... I still do not see how they actually care RIGHT NOW....Remember actions speak louder than words... Pulling up something from 10 years ago doesn't change my mind about how the mother ship runs around the all mighty dollor bill by ignoring this problem...and others.... Do not take this to heart either crusty.(unless you want to)..Will make a good debate when we meet next tuesday.... It is tuff to show my emotion/expressions/thoughts thru the internet...The little faces do no justice... Just pushing a "Friendly" debate. Still waiting for a clear answer to how they actually care about our safety....and yes, Them lights are a safety hazzard. maybe not when they leave the factory, but shortly after that these lights are just short of useless. May as well take them off and run twin flashlights...   Scotty_j Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 06:32 am:        Eric- The tail lights on my Uly are stock LED's. Maybe you could mount one of those 90w Hella's to your tail and put a red lense on it. Then again, maybe not... the cagers wouldn't see you because they'd be friggin' BLINDED. I had a set up on my KLR that would flash the tail light for the first couple of seconds the brakes were applied, but that was a KLR-specific application. Only problem with that was that people always found it necessary to tell me my brake light was blinking. At least they saw me... Check this out $89.95, but hey, how much is your safety worth?   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 08:29 am:        look what just popped up.... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/281305.html?1180441595 lets see what the rest of the buell owners have to say....not just me..   Ducxl Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 09:10 am:        Maybe you could mount one of those 90w Hella's to your tail and put a red lense on it. C'mon,this is sarcasm...The modulating brake light is super though.Eric,give it a try..Let us know how you end up..   Scotty_j Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 09:37 am:        I've got a pretty good idea of how to mount my Hellas, but I need to take a closer look at how much space I have behind the stock headlights-- right now with this design the Hellas will stick out 1.25"! They'll look like tits! <Edit- I took down the illustration because it was wrong and it was slowing the page down> I'll have to add a tab to the bottom/center of the mounting plate for my "beak." Any input, guys? Eric & JP- This may work on your bikes too. (Message edited by scotty_j on May 30, 2007)   Jpb Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 10:43 pm:        I don't want to ride around looking like I just came out of a cold refrigerated room with my nipples sticking out!!!   Jpb Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 10:51 pm:        I'm sorry...I just couldn't resist. I have had no time to start looking around at lights yet. My lights are ok for now...I don't seem to have the same degredation problem in the reflector...just too many damn bugs from the late afternoon drives home though the woods. I actually haven't even taken my lights off yet so I have no idea what the mounting looks like (detailed that is). I know there is a bracket that clamps to the two front posts of the tree and after that I can't see without dismanteling them, again...no time lately. However...if you guys get something designed up for a bracket and you need it cut up let me know...we have a really cool water jet at work that I can down load AutoCAD files to and cut the outline and through holes to get you started.   Scotty_j Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 08:12 am:        A water jet? Oh hell yeah! I was picturing me in my garage with a jigsaw and a lot of swearing. Disregard the above sketch-- I'm using the wrong mounting holes for the new lights, and I'm pretty sure I'm showing the wrong diameter for where the bracket marries up to the bike. Going to rev 2...   Scotty_j Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 09:59 am:        My latest one:   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 11:21 am:        Now that one looks like it will work! Nice Job! Keep in mind that the low beam is slightly longer than the High beam assembly. Not sure if that even matters on your bike. not sure how much room you have back there.   Scotty_j Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:11 pm:        Yeah- I'm using the low beam in the model as it was the only diagram they supplied. I'm assuming identical bolt patterns on each lamp...? I should get my lights today & I can mock this up in cardboard tonight. And I am such a dumba$$. I only ordered 1 wiring harness - I need two. I called 'em, but my order was already out the door. The guy was cool and apologetic for not catching it, but it still cost me $6 in shipping for a $6.70 part. Ah, the price of stupidity...   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:27 pm:        Wow I guess I am not the only one who feels them lights are a hazzard.... XBoard thread seems to be showing the true colors on this Light Hazard.. Somebody better get there sh!t stompers on. Maybe post over there and set them guys right.... I have called out Mr.Court also, seems he is silenced by the fact Buell is not doing crap to help us on this problem...Typical Buell-shit!!! All he has done is give the typical "vague" answer he is so known to give. At least he did say it is a REAL PROBLEM!!!! Back to my original responce on this: Action Speaks Louder Than Words!!! So How About Them Red Sox!!!!14 games ahead of them damn Yanks!!!!!   Ducxl Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:30 pm:        Good stuff.Court will not post though.Not when it gets heated.   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:32 pm:        Scott do not feel bad..I did the same thing. I thought it came as a set(2) Then I lost one of the little black adaptors in the adjuster...another scvrew up and more shipping.... Well gotta get out for a ride, look for a job....Trying not to look far but CAPCO Steel is looking like it may be my new home. 40 minute drive, that sux's!!! but I gotta get back to work as my funds are dwindling down...   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 08:31 pm:        I am meeting Jim at wendell's tomorrow night if you guys are up for meeting. I need to give him my old headers I use for the dyno Tunning and hopefully he can get the dent out and make it smooth again. don't ask how the dent got there... Bike is getting dyno tuned day after the bike show on Tuesday. I hate to be bikeless for them days but it needs to be done. Should be a ripper again when I get it back, I have been using the modified map I made from Al's map but it just don't run all that well with my set up. you guys wanna meet some place and ride down together?   Ducxl Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 08:55 pm:        I got a phone message to the effect of Wendells.I'm up for it,i'd like to bike up there.I hope the weather permits it. What time do you guys' plan on being there??   Ducxl Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 09:00 pm:        Map to Wendells: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=addr ess&addtohistory=&address=%5b1%2d20%5d%20W%20Main% 20St&city=Norton&state=MA&zipcode=02766&country=US &location=Uh40JFtcrj7%2bfTCm6BT0fqu2Ss%2fqC0IcwTwh 3SzntsEZqOWIFY1QFWdGfDQlsopHD%2fwexQchur17wU9E%2bC E%2fQVFZl0%2fOYDGXm3tPef%2fNjWZ2hkv%2b2Ugg8ZHi3Oqw dksVV4ISGUCBIpE%3d&ambiguity=1   Crusty Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 09:37 pm:        Somebody better get there sh!t stompers on. Here I is! There seems to be a lot of "Internet Amplification" going on over this lighting "problem". I don't have a problem with the stock headlights on my Uly. If I want more light, I could put some additional lighting on; something by Hella or PIAA or maybe Motolights. But I don't need them. My headlights are still working well after 20,000 miles. I do know that if I felt that the headlights were inadequate on my bike, I'd find something better and put it on. I wouldn't waste my time complaining about it on the internet. If I felt that it was a defect from the factory, I would get it replaced under warranty. The Factory isn't moving fast enough for some people. They're the people who don't have the slightest clue about how much work and red tape is involved in coming up with a replacement. I work in an industry that's heavily regulated by the Federal Government. I see just how difficult it is to make an insignificant change. Deviation is not allowed. Just to change the direction one wire is bent (from left to right) will invalidate any and all approvals for the whole machine. Did you know that H-Ds legal department is larger than their Engineering dept.? It's a necessity in our society. Otherwise, there'd be so many lawsuits they'd be put out of business. Now imagine what would happen if the factory publicly admitted there might be a lighting problem without having a fast and corrective replacement on hand? The factory can't do more than tell us they're looking into it, or else they could be put out of business. I have no doubt that the people at Buell are bending over backwards to get this "issue" straightened out. I also have no doubt that no matter how fast they are with a solution that there will be people out there bitching and whining that it wasn't fast enough, or good enough.   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 12:02 am:        Sounds like you are sugar coating it to hide the facts. Bottom line....4 years with NO FIX. It is far from "Internet Amplification" it is a fact, it is real and it is being ignored...PERIOD! This is not the first time it has come up if you just got here. So it is not just me. Sounds like you are in denial there John. your Brand Loyalty has been noted. I am glad YOUR Uly has good lights, They ARE important to YOUR survival on the streets. BUT this really is a Firebolt problem So Your input on this is noted w/ no real life experience. Try putting some dark tint on your lights and drive around for a few years then come talk to me about this...You Really are clueless on the subject. Obviously us whinning Bitches are just that, Sorry I wish to go home at night to see my wife and kids...Why not post in the other thread and let every one know they are just that, bunch of whinners... I'm Sure you are right, They are bending over backwards to solve the problem, It shows. I too feel like I am being bent over. I fixed my problem and told others how they can fix it, Buell isn't going to and I know that. They care about $$$$. Not us! It is not good buisiness to care about the public, It is much easier to ignore them and keep there pockets full. Buell is on thin ice as it is, Being dropped by A LOT/Most dealers, to bring bad press would not be wise from a buisiness stand point. I understand that. I am also fine w/ that. I really could care less what they do...REALLY. I'll leave it at that, as this is like competing in the special olympics....I am sure you know the punch line here john..   Jpb Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 06:35 am:        I work in an industry that's heavily regulated by the Federal Government. I see just how difficult it is to make an insignificant change. Deviation is not allowed. Just to change the direction one wire is bent (from left to right) will invalidate any and all approvals for the whole machine. This sounds like 'medical' industry experience. I've been in automotive a couple of times and there is NO validation or testing, or reporting that would be in the way of changing the headlight on the bikes with the exception maybe of the light output at installation...not a period of time for degredation. You're not changing the electrical system, you're not replacing part of the frame (not that the government regulates that anyway). How do you think Ford got their monakers (Found on road dead; Fix or Repair Daily; F'in Over Rated Desaster)...the government didn't / doesn't regulate the cars that much out side of safety requirements; ie: crash force control, air bags, emissions etc... It is easy to get bogged down in required regulations and perceived requirements as a defense...but that only makes it harder to pull your head out of your butt and do some good work. The only comment I'll support is this one... "how much work and red tape is involved in coming up with a replacement." ...once the bean counters get into the mix the whole deal with doing the right thing goes right out the window...they can put up more red tape for bs reasons than the government.}   Scotty_j Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 09:11 am:        Great. Rain all weekend.   Scott_in_nh Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 09:18 am:        I have stayed out of this one as I do not own an effected bike (though the headlight on my S3 sucks too - any suggestions Eric?) I work for a very, very large scientific instrument manufacturer and on occasion we have our share of product problems. here is the important part- Our customers DO NOT expect us to have an immediate solution to their problem. They DO expect and deserve a plan. If we are going to "look into it" then they deserve a FIRM date to expect the results of that activity. On that date, they deserve to hear what the likely next step is and a NEW DATE for that to happen and so on and so on. When we execute - we demonstrate our commitment to the customer EVEN THOUGH IT STARTED WITH A PROBLEM and cement our relationship. When we do not execute - we LOSE A CUSTOMER sometimes forever. I firmly believe that BUELL does care every bit as much as Court says they do. What they are not doing is executing the above actions and demonstrating their commitment to excellence and to their customers.   Ducxl Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 11:38 am:        I have no doubt that the people at Buell are bending over backwards to get this "issue" straightened out. i can place faith in that,but we're all in the dark,and left to seethe Now imagine what would happen if the factory publicly admitted there might be a lighting problem without having a fast and corrective replacement on hand? The factory can't do more than tell us they're looking into it, or else they could be put out of business. seems plausible.I don't know Crusty well,but wish a pleasant relationship.Cool guy. Oh yeah...AND what Scott said. So,what time tonight at Wendells'???   Jpb Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 12:45 pm:        Rain, rain, rain, rain...I don't think it's going to hold off for the gathering tonight at Wendells...but maybe. I'm working late here tonight...playing carpenter this evening... Scotty_j: the mounting looks easy enough to do, for the different length low vs. high - you could make some standoffs to put between the light housing and the bracket to even them up....just an idea...   Scotty_j Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 01:05 pm:        Although the overall size of the low beam housing is greater, I believe the distance from the face of the lense to the mounting yoke is equal, or at least pretty damn close. Picture of the lamps I really won't know that for sure until I get my hands on the lamps (still haven't arrived - maybe today). Also JP- I've already got my eye on your waterjet, but what about a big press to make all of these bends? Machines are way more precise than me, my vise, and my hammer. (Message edited by scotty_j on May 31, 2007) (Message edited by scotty_j on May 31, 2007)   Firebolteric_ma Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 03:17 pm:        I believe the distance from the face of the lense to the mounting yoke is equal, or at least pretty damn close. they are not the same, maybe 1/4"-3/8" tops in length difference. If you lights do not get there this weekend I can take it apart and take some measurements for ya. I just put it back together last night. *****I will show up at wendell's around 5-5:30...***** It has been raining here on and off all afternoon, I will be in the truck tonight.   Damnut Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 03:55 pm:        I should be at Wendell's at about 5:30 or so.   Ducxl Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 06:55 pm:        Sorry guys'.I was there at 5:30.I waited until exactly 6:00 and figured neither one of you would be there so i came home.I hope the wings were good...C'ya next time.