Blown Headlight

[GSmonkey]

I've just had the second Philips GT150 bulb blow in no more than about 10 months. Has anybody else experienced a similar short lifespan with these high performance bulbs??

 

[Dave Price]

I've noticed more than one person comment on blown bulbs, standard or otherwise.
The standard dip beam bulb, blew on my 12GS, and I couldn't remember the last time I replaced one on any of my previous bikes.
Perhaps it's voltage variations (see H/light dimming when brakes applied) and vibration ?
Not cheap at £5 a go.

 

[Pressurized]

Can't comment on the Philips bulb but my GS went through two bulbs in 7k miles. I think that's quite a lot, especially as the last one was a hideously expensive PIAA one. The one in it now is ordinary and has lasted 4k miles - now that I've said that, it'll blow next time I ride it.

 

[cdw]

Suggest you don't touch the bulb with your fingers when fitting, use a tissue.

Also you could check the bolts holding the headlight unit to the bracket are tight, vibes might kill the bulbs.

Regards

Chris

 

[GSmonkey]

I'm guessing it is the vibration then. Bit of a pain in the arse. So far they haven't gone whilst on a long ride out. Luckily you can just swap the bulb from the high beam if you're stuck.

Sounds like I need to keep buying bulbs!!!

 

[finglonga]

I had Philips Blue vision bulbs in both main and dip. The dip only lasted a couple of months so I transfered the one from the main beam accross. The thing blew again!!! I thought it was the vibration but I also had a pair in my car and they didn't last much longer.
After complaining at the shop where I purchased them (as they are not cheap), they told me they had loads of complaints about them blowing prematurely (don't know if I spelt that right I have never used that word before ). It turns out that the 'blue' coating doesn't let the heat disperse as well as a normal bulb, thus shortening its life considerably. I am sure that it said on the back of the pack that they 'may not' last as long as std bulbs.

I run a std bulb now and have for the last 3 years without one blowing. Hmm shouldn't have said that either.

 

[GSmonkey]

That'll be it - mine was the GT150 with a blue blob on the end. I think I'll try the standard one next.

Cheers

 

[JayGee]

I've noticed more than one person comment on blown bulbs, standard or otherwise.
The standard dip beam bulb, blew on my 12GS, and I couldn't remember the last time I replaced one on any of my previous bikes.
Perhaps it's voltage variations (see H/light dimming when brakes applied) and vibration ?
Not cheap at £5 a go.

Same here, bulb blew at around 8,000 miles and 8 months old. Surprising but not really important although my H***a (sorry to blaspheme) hasn't had a bulb replaced in 45000 miles and 4 years. Still if we are down to moaning about bulb life the rest of the bike must be pretty good!

 

[Gonzo]

The short life is the price you pay for the "+50%" extra claimed light you get from the bulb. As well as having a coating, they burn hotter.

A GT150 blew in my dip last week and as I don't need the "tuning market" look I'll go for the Visionplus (no coating) - I think the extra light that you get is a worthwhile trade-off for the shorter lifespan. I'll still spend less over the years than adding some christmas tree lights.

I use Visionplus in the cars too and they don't generally last too long, but you do notice the difference.

What I really want is a HID kit for the 1200, but no-one seems to have done it yet. Any takers...............?

 

[JayGee]

...

What I really want is a HID kit for the 1200, but no-one seems to have done it yet. Any takers...............?

Or some decent lights like on the Varedero

 

[Gonzo]

Or some decent lights like on the Varedero

Altogether now.........."or follow a VFR".

 

[JayGee]

Altogether now.........."or follow a VFR".

Hey, that's a good idea in the dark, you'd certainly see more than with the GS's naff headlights.