Why is the rear light such a shite design anyone know a fix ?

[bikemad]

Just sorting my bike for Dent then remembered to replace the 2nd blown bulb in a week as I pulled it out terminals all loose n broken in the back

None of my Japanese stuff falls apart like that,ok had the severely corroded but always proper spring loaded,not relying on contacts to spring against bulb then open to shite from the back more too

 

[Fanum]

A decent quality 380 bulb holder will set you back about a fiver.

Get one then araldite it carefully and securely in place....you may need a dremel to get a proper fit, but it will last a lot better than the plastic they've put in there at the moment

 

[Bendy toy]

The later model LED rear light might fit but may need ballast resistors to keep the canbus happy.

You could also solder an LED bulb into the holder. It's unlikely to blow so the semi-permanent fix wont be such an issue.
Or you could stick LED tapes to the reflector. One strip all around the edge for tail light and fill in the middle for brake light.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5M-300-LE...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item2349e50d75

The numbers 3528, 5050, 5630 are the LED emitting size in 1/10th millimetre 3.5 x 2.8 is not as bright as 5.0 x 5.0.

 

[JPR]

They've always been shite.
Even since Airhead days.

 

[bikemad]

Iv temp bodged it drilled & put two self tappers from underneath to hold the contacts in place,pumped some silicone in too was just enough room between lens lol.
I'm going to buy a full replacement led with balast on eBay for about £45 not going to ride too far in case it falls apart again

 

[mikeyboy]

Disposable part, bin it and fit a new one

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

They've always been shite.
Even since Airhead days.

Nowt wrong with the 1150/1100GS rear light design, perfectly suitable for purpose

On the 1200's it all went to pot

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Disposable part, bin it and fit a new one

Talking of lights..............your front lights are pretty bright - saw you 2up on the A1 south at Ferrybridge on Tuesday around noon

 

[bikemad]

I'm sure chineese could do a better rear light fitting than BMW

 

[Fanum]

Nowt wrong with the 1150/1100GS rear light design, perfectly suitable for purpose

I'd agree with you JB, if I hadn't done the 'tighten up left screw, tighten up right screw **SNAP!** thing several times.

I've now got two spares, 'cos I know that every third time I change a brake bulb, I'll snap one of those stupidly underweight plastic screw pillars

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I'd agree with you JB, if I hadn't done the 'tighten up left screw, tighten up right screw **SNAP!** thing several times.

I've now got two spares, 'cos I know that every third time I change a brake bulb, I'll snap one of those stupidly underweight plastic screw pillars

You are too rough, then you are a legendary spannerman

 

[Fanum]

You are too rough, then you are a legendary spannerman

It takes one 64th of a turn to go from 'tight enough' to **SNAP!**

Go on.....admit it, you've done it yourself

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

It takes one 64th of a turn to go from 'tight enough' to **SNAP!**

Go on.....admit it, you've done it yourself

Nope, never

 

[Fanum]

Nope, never

I'm impressed then.


Or have all your rear light lenses been loose?

I've had two new ones, and have fixed the original and its replacement at least once each with epxy or superglue.....that plastic is VERY brittle on those two pillars, and it doesn't help matters that the two screws are self tapping

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I'm on my 3rd in 9 years. They are right in the firing line for the back wheel shite so they are prone. About £25 for a replacement from Motorworks does the job

 

[mikeyboy]

Talking of lights..............your front lights are pretty bright - saw you 2up on the A1 south at Ferrybridge on Tuesday around noon

 

[Bendy toy]

Fit LED strips and never open it again. Sorted.

Also turn the screw backwards until the thread clicks. Then there is less chance of breaking the wimpish plastic pillar. When it breaks epoxy putty an M4 nut in place and use an M4 screw.

 

[bikemad]

Found a few on eBay complete led replacemement going to find out about resistors for canbus before buying

 

[Yellow Peril]

Thread somewhere on the complete conversion to LED, I did it will worth the effort, the new wiring loom from BMW was about £45 quid if I remember correctly plus I picked up an OEM rear light from flea bay.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showth...-advice-required-please?p=3946807#post3946807

 

[bikemad]

I fitted one for bounce last year wish I'd looked at my own sooner lol