Metal Mule Lightsaver headlamp protection

[Malcolm Leick]

Hi guys.

Has anyone used these with HID bulbs in their headlamps. I'm a bit worried about heat build up, although the blurb says they have ventilation slots.

http://www.metalmule.com/bike-protection/lightsaver-headlight-protector/

Looks like a good piece of kit, although I know there are cheaper options.

I notice that the reflector in my main (dipped) lamp is already slightly cooked at the back where the bulb enters the housing. I'm using HID 50 units, which are otherwise brilliant.

Cheers. Malcolm

 

[skywalker]

Thats why Micky took 'em out of his cos they fried the reflectors on the headlamp.

 

[thomo57]

Hi guys.

Has anyone used these with HID bulbs in their headlamps. I'm a bit worried about heat build up, although the blurb says they have ventilation slots.

http://www.metalmule.com/bike-protection/lightsaver-headlight-protector/

Looks like a good piece of kit, although I know there are cheaper options.

I notice that the reflector in my main (dipped) lamp is already slightly cooked at the back where the bulb enters the housing. I'm using HID 50 units, which are otherwise brilliant.

Cheers. Malcolm

They look good Malcolm, might invest in a set, not sure what finish though!

Les Wassal recommends max wattage 35W for 650/800 GS, to prevent cooking the reflector.

 

[Malcolm Leick]

I think I have the 35w as bought them off Les. I will check later. It's only a little scarring around the hole where the bulb enters. The rest of the refelctor is fine.

 

[sturgeon]

Hi guys.

Has anyone used these with HID bulbs in their headlamps. I'm a bit worried about heat build up, although the blurb says they have ventilation slots.

http://www.metalmule.com/bike-protection/lightsaver-headlight-protector/

Looks like a good piece of kit, although I know there are cheaper options.

I notice that the reflector in my main (dipped) lamp is already slightly cooked at the back where the bulb enters the housing. I'm using HID 50 units, which are otherwise brilliant.

Cheers. Malcolm

I've had the Metal Mule protector on my 800. Wasn't all that impressed once I saw it in person. It just snaps on, in place of the stock surround ring and doesn't make use of the screws that hold the OEM ring on. One of the slots broke out immediately when I attached it, and I was worried that it'd just fall off. I replaced it with an Aeroflow acrylic cover.

 

[Malcolm Leick]

Just checked and I have the HiD 50 H7 and H7R bulbs which may explain the slight toasting. They were supplied back in October 2009 so Les may not have been aware of the problem two years ago.

 

[thomo57]

Just checked and I have the HiD 50 H7 and H7R bulbs which may explain the slight toasting. They were supplied back in October 2009 so Les may not have been aware of the problem two years ago.

That sounds right.
I was looking into HID`s this time last year when Les advised he recommended 35 Watt. I dropped the HID idea and went for Aux lights instead

 

[Stormforce8]

If you're looking for a no fuss and virtually unbreakable headlight guard have a look at the one we do at Rugged Roads.

F650/800GS Headlight Guard.

Polycarbonate guard with brushed stainless steel arms - easy install.

No issues with heat or ventilation and it's a third of the price as well

We also do a Rock Guard which can be combined with the polycarbonate one - if that's your thing............

 

[Malcolm Leick]

Last post on this one as I have just ordered the Metal Mule Lightsaver. They have assured me that heat build up will not be a problem as there are ventilation slots in the unit. Looks like a nice clean finish.

Re the HID issue I dropped by my BMW dealer tonight and asked them to check my headlamp to see if it would clear the MOT due in May. They confirmed that neither the low beam lens crack or the scorching round the bulb entry point at the back of the reflector (from the HID50) would cause a fail. It's not interfering with the light throw.

So that just saved me almost £190 for a new headlamp unit! The crack may not be pretty, but it's not allowing any moisture in, and with the Lightsaver cover on should be well protected from the elements.

(The lens crack came from flying stone chips from the never-ending road works of Turkey. Should have fitted a guard before I set off )

Les at HID50.com confirmed that he now recommends the 35w unit for the headlamp, rather than the 50w. He thinks problems with the 50w units tend to be if the bulb is not seated correctly or if it's a high mileage bike. The bulb is in ok, but the bike has 32K on the clock.

 

[Greggers]

I had a close look at my reflector today - the mirroring is toast!

Whatever the cause is, the silvering is just wiping off, leaving the plastic base showing through.

Mine's a 50 watter, and the bulb has always been seated properly.. The capsules are supposed to run a lot cooler than conventional filament bulbs, so I think it's either free radicals or ridiculous amounts of UV ..

My lens went foggy on the inside too, but I managed to wipe that clear with a cloth on a stick - I'm cheap so won;t be buying a new unit lol..

G

 

[v8legend]

I had a close look at my reflector today - the mirroring is toast!

Whatever the cause is, the silvering is just wiping off, leaving the plastic base showing through. I'm cheap so won;t be buying a new unit lol..

G

Hi Greg.

I'm not sure how easy it is to seperate the lens from the reflector? However, there is a headlamp on eBay with a cracked lens. Clould be of use?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250768703902&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[v8legend]

Hi Greg.

I'm not sure how easy it is to seperate the lens from the reflector? However, there is a headlamp on eBay with a cracked lens. Clould be of use?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250768703902&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Oops.......it's already finished.