head lights keep going out

[liferider]

OK, in 2009 and 2010. I trailered my bike to Sturgis along with my wife's Sportster. On both trips when I left Louisiana my front head light worked, and on both arrivals in Sturgis my front head light was out. So whenever I travel I always have the tools and 2 extra head lights with me. I ride a 2004 BD Chopper. I use Biker pro roll in chocks. I use 2'' wratchet straps and soft straps around the triple tree. 2 soft straps with wratchets on the rear end holding it in place. A loose bike falls down and I snug them down tight. The trailer I haul in is a 20' Haulmark. What could be causeing this headlight problem.

 

[BigDogBro1]

You could be loosing the connection to the bulb inside the housing.

I would start by diassembling the headlight unit from the bucket. On the later BD models the H4 bulb socket is plastic and melts under the heat generated by the high wire current and bulb heat.

The solution is to replace the bulb socket with a ceramic socket with a large wire gauge (16ga or better).

 

[woodbutcher]

could also be the jst connection under the tank that ties the headlight into the wiring harness on the backbone.

 

[liferider]

maybe i'm not clear. The head light bulb filament is detached inside the bulb. So I have to replace the bulb.

 

[nine lives]

Had this happen on my 92 Harley several times. The fix was a new rubber isolation boot that went on the back of the light in the bucket.

 

[erldawg]

That's just too weird the bulb filament goes out without being powered up. Definitely a vibration issue. Like nine suggested do you have the bootie on the back of the light?

 

[Th3InfamousI]

They make a bulb for high vibration applications. Maybe try that? Along with the new rubber boot.

I'm guessing you got the bike cranked down and its moving up and down with the trailer. I'm not familiar with the trailer but unless its got air ride they will jump up around occassionaly probably just busting you filament.

 

[CCRainman]

The rubber gasket that goes between the ring and headlight will solve the problem. My dog ate bulbs all day long till I fixed it with the new gasket. This is what others are calling a boot.

 

[stlmikie]

Also. If you have that thing bottomed out. It will transfer the vibration from the trailer and road right to the bulb. You may want to leave just a little play in the suspension. Just a little.