Author |
Message |
Dubsty13
| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2014 - 03:32 pm: |
|
Not sure how common this is but... I just 'inherited' a 2003 xb9r from my father and had a chance to take it for two short rides on the weekend and then a ride to work today. My buddy at work came in and asked me why I was missing a headlight. I thought he was messing with me, but sure enough one of the lenses was missing. I took a look and it seems like the plastic retainer bezel (or when ever you would call it) split at the bottom and the lens must have bounced out. I took a look at the hi-beam and that one is cracked even worse than the missing one, although the lens is still intact. I already ordered a new assembly from St. Paul HD (on ebay). I am curious if this is common, or any suggestions for prevention. |
Cataract2
| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2014 - 07:18 pm: |
|
There was an updated headlight design released. The original did have a problem with that. |
Dubsty13
| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2014 - 07:30 pm: |
|
Im guessing no chance of a recall on this right? already ordered a new one so almost doesn't matter. I used the hi-beam on the way home and was very dim, guessing related to the recall on the chrome issue. Anyone change the headlights to LED's ? Pretty sure HID's would burn out the chrome as well but would like to upgrade a little..... |
Greg_e
| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2014 - 08:22 pm: |
|
Not sure why I can't find it tonight, but I have a very long journey to some very nice Hella Bi-Halogen lights. (Message edited by greg_e on January 13, 2014) |
Cataract2
| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2014 - 10:13 pm: |
|
Don't know about a recall. I want to say there was, but I can't remember. The problem with LED (and HID for that matter) is the stock reflectors in the headlight assembly is not designed to focus the light properly with those light sources. If you want to go to either, you will need the right reflectors otherwise you will throw light to places that you don't want it to go. (ie: blinding others which doesn't help your case.) |
Court
| Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 - 09:47 am: |
|
There was never a problem with the headlights that merited a recall. I do recall discussion related to erosion of the reflectivity, but never any discussion of lens falling out. The ONLY recall on the 2003 XB9R was the side stand, to wit:
quote:Recall ID #474 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Recall Date OCT 03, 2002 Motorcycle Affected 2003 BUELL FIREBOLT XB9R Summary ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE SIDE STAND LEGS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BEND OR BREAK. Consequence THIS COULD CAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE TO FALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE STAND. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUELL AT 1-414-342-4680. Potential Motorcycles Affected 371 Notes BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO. 0825 Read more: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recal ls/49/2003/buell/firebolt_xb9r/474.html#ixzz2qNotO 7XO
|
Aldaytona
| Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2014 - 09:07 pm: |
|
Oh, but there WAS a problem, and a serious problem with the XBR headlights. Here's proof: SERVICE BULLETIN B076A 2003-2006 FIREBOLT HEADLIGHTS PRODUCT PROGRAM 0501 This action by Buell most likely headed off a merited recall. |
Cataract2
| Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2014 - 10:39 pm: |
|
Thanks Al, I knew there was a problem due to all of the issues folks had. Just didn't have the time to do some digging to counter the above. |
Arby
| Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2014 - 11:13 pm: |
|
recall to me means, what can i get for free! buell is defunct. Chase as u like, they will not pay for anything. if u have a headlight issue, solve it. |
Arby
| Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2014 - 11:25 pm: |
|
sorry. bad day. don't know what would have caused it. wish i could help. |
Froggy
| Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2014 - 11:33 pm: |
|
The headlight replacement campaign ended a few years ago and had nothing to do with Harley closing the brand, they typically only run campaigns for a few years More details here http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/B076A.pdf |
Arby
| Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2014 - 11:43 pm: |
|
froggy. u r the man. know a lot more than me! |
Court
| Posted on Friday, January 17, 2014 - 04:29 am: |
|
Precisely. There was no recall or basis for a recall. The campaign was for material that list it's "shininess" (reflectivity) and had nothing to do with lens falling out. I've never heard of a lens falling out. Didn't want the OP the be chasing a solution in a non-existent recall or program. Recalls ..... In some cases .... May still be honored. |
Starter
| Posted on Monday, January 20, 2014 - 04:37 am: |
|
My 2004 XB9R is on its 3rd set of headlights, Two units were warranty due to the lens popping out after the bezel split. One complete set when the campaign was completed. They look pretty good still. |