Blew two low beam bulbs in a week on 09. Anything to check before replacing them?

Bought the bike used last year so I've got no idea for how long they've been installed. One bulb went and ~6 hours later or so the 2nd went (2-3 days later) but I'm not sure when exactly. I'm wondering if this is a coincidence or hides something else. One thing that may be related or not is as I pulled out of a parking lot after a short break, the bike felt like it had no power at all, completely bogged down in 1st. It went away after 2-3 seconds and I wasn't able to figure out if it was caused by something mechanical (ie: what felt like a 2x4 stuck in the chain) or something else (crap in fuel?) but everything was back to normal after so I'm not sure what to think.. :crazy: I don't know if the 2nd bulb died at that time or after

Based on what I could find, the 09 isn't affected by the r/r or stator issue so I should be good. I've checked online and my motorcycle doesn't have any recalls. Battery is at ~14.5V when bike is running, pretty stable even if I rev it a bit but I haven't checked at high revs since it was in the garage and a bit late.. High beams work fine so it's not the fuse, they appear to be on the same fuse based on the wiring diagram I found.

Is there anything else I should check or should I simply replace the bulbs? I'd hate to spring for some good bulbs and have them blow in a week...

Thanks!

 

I'm tipping a spike in the charging, I guess the reason the high beams are ok is because they weren't on when it spiked. Good chance the charging is acting up so I would do the drill to see if you can identify the problem. I was not aware the 09 was immune to these VFR charging problems. Check the connector between stator/rec/reg

Read post #9 http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/39277-How-to-fix-common-regulator-Stator-failures

 

Thanks, From what I had read honda had fixed the power harness and I thought that it was the culprit of the VFR charging issues but it looks like i was mistaken. I will follow the steps from the post you link just to be sure everything looks ok. Stock battery lasted 7 years, it was getting tired during cold days in the fall, the clock would reset when I fired up the bike but then was fine when running.

 

I've checked the voltage at the battery. 12.8 when off, and then 14.9V from idle to 5000rpm. really steady, doesn't vary more than 10mV. I did not remove the panel to check the stator, I'll do that over the week-end once I've got more time but it looks like I may simply have been unlucky and both bulbs failed roughly at the same time. I've installed the new ones and we'll see how it goes but I at least get to ride to work tomorrow

 

Are the bulbs from China ? :sour: If so, there's your problem ! :sour:

You have no stator issues as a bad one produces LESS voltage, and blowing bulbs points to excess voltage............or cheap Chinese garbage bulbs. :sorrow:

 

The bulbs were sylvania (osram) ultravision made in Germany. I ended up buying new bulbs locally (couldn't wait for online) and realized that what I bought is exactly the same thing. We'll see how long those last but I'll definitely order a pair of something better online in the meantime. Maybe the osram night racer which are supposed to be for motorcycles.

 

I would be surprised if all bulbs were not made in China these days and remember they can put any country of manufacture on the box they want

 

Nah, must be german. and it's a case of planned obsolescence which ended up almost bang on, just a few hours separated both bulbs. Now that's consistent manufacturing!

 

I think you believe in the tooth fairy as well, Chinese made in a German box. BTW how long had these bulbs been fitted?