Hey all, the high beams on my '98 VFR work fine. But when I switch to low beams everything goes off. The shop mentioned something about it being a bulb and not the fuse but they didn't sound too convinced. I've found some forums on this subject but they're frankly kind of confusing. It seems like on bulb does both functins, hi and low beam? so in short:
1. Is the bulb the problem?
2. What bulb can I use to replace it?
3. What do a I disassemble to replace it?
Thanks! :beer: [image: photo-1.JPG]
Got a meter? You can get one at Harbor Freight dirt-cheap. If you pull back the dust boots you should be able to back-probe the connectors to see if you have power. If not I'd look at the switch next.
Standard H4 bulbs will fit if you bend back a couple of the tabs. You can replace bulbs without removing any bodywork it's just a tight squeeze to get in there.
Is it possible that only one of two filaments is out? Bulbs are not that expensive.
Agreed with the two prior posts - even if it turns out to not be the bulbs, on a 15 year old bike it's not a bad preventive maintenance item.
Standard H4 bulbs will fit if you bend back a couple of the tabs. You can replace bulbs without removing any bodywork it's just a tight squeeze to get in there.
Small hands would help. Pull one or both bulbs and scrutinize the filaments
The low beam filament is probably burnt out.
H4 works, I cut the tab off instead of bending. :beer: :schla15:
If you get the bulb out and the filliment looks good, investigate the rocker switch. They get a little finicky sometimes.
The low-beam filaments on both bulbs broke at the same time? Curious... In addtion to the hi-lo switch, you could also check that your low beam relay is working.
Ciao,
I've had 1 go out and then have the other go out within a week of each other before I had the chance to change them. It is possible to have both go out so close together that you never notice. I always look at the reflection on the car in front of me at stop lights to check mine.
The low-beam filaments on both bulbs broke at the same time? Curious... In addtion to the hi-lo switch, you could also check that your low beam relay is working.
Ciao,
Happened three times to me, more likely as Ken states above one goes out and you don't really notice the weaker low beam if the majority of your riding is daytime anyway then within a short period of time the other goes and you do notice this even at dusk.
Replace, buy cheap bulbs from wal-mart or expensive ones (Sylvania Silver Stars or better) for better light but the more they cost the shorter their life, even says so right on the back of the bulb package.
I really want to try a set of Osram motorcycle specific bulbs from Euroland as I think the vibrations of motorcycling contribute to the unacceptably short life I get from Silver Stars or Ultra Stars. I believe Osram is the Sylvania brand ocross the pond but for some reason (to few bikes as a % of population?) they don't sell the bike specific bulbs here.
If you get the bulb out and the filliment looks good, investigate the rocker switch. They get a little finicky sometimes.
Whenever I flip to high beams and back to low both headlights are out cold.
Clean that switch. Check and clean electric connectors. Look for damaged wires or connectors. :wink:
Is it possible that only one of two filaments is out? Bulbs are not that expensive.
yes it is possible, thats what just happened to the right side headlight bulb on my '00 VFR 800, low-beam filament is blown, took the bulb out, close look at it, one filament is cut other is fine. so low beam i have one headlight, high beam getting both