so the xb9r has just failed its MOT, not for the dodgy front brake, but for having a dipped beam that the tester thought was too dim.

with the ignition on dipped beam sees both bulbs lit on the left hand unit, and just the little front bulb on the right (which is very dim itself) i think this is right, and has been like that since new (certainly since it passed its mot last year)

the tester said that the pattern is perfect, just that the light that is given off isnt bright enough.

ive tried swapping the bulbs over, but its much the same (well it would be wouldnt it!) although the little bulb on the left light did turn out to be blown - are they regular bulbs)

anyone know of any common problems (and hopefully simple cheap and quick ways to fix them)

thanks in advance

ben

ben, that does sound like an earth problem or a relay problem.
Have you any jump leads?
If so you can try and manually earth the light cluster, I think it is the black wire but make sure first. Link the earth side of the bulb to the bike somewhere else and see if it brightens up.
If it does you have the common earth wire failure coming but is easy to fix.
If that does not work swap the starter relay with another in the fuse box and see if that brightens it up, if it does you need another relay (got one here!).

N.

Is it the reflector that has deteriated in the lamp itself ? I'm sure there was a recall on firebolt headlamps if so you may be able to get some free replacements.........what year is the bike? i'm sure somebody will be along that can confirm this.

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.

Doh, didn't spot the R bit Yeah the reflector!

N.

Yes, had both the XB12R and XB9R (2004 model) reflectors replaced under a recall.

its a 2002/2003 model
ive just always assumed it had a shit dipped beam!

Do you have the reflectors replaced? AFAIK all R models up to 2005 are affected.

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"It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living."
Terry Pratchett

Here is the recall notice.

http://www.dragbike.nl/bud/B076A.pdf

hmm, im not sure if mine will be on the list, with it being 2002 registered.
If i phone my nearest HD dealership do you think they will be able to tell me?
it certainly sounds plausible that the reflector could be at fault, there is a deffinate black shape in the beam pattern as though there is no light being reflected at all.

(of course even if it is in the recall, itll still be a pain in the bum to get fixed, and take at least 2 days - one on the boat on the way down, and the same back up! - teach me to live this far north!)

Reckon they should be able to tell you. If the recall is applicable could you not have the replacement units sent to you to either fit them yourself, or get a local competent garage to do it

Type your VIN in here:

https://www.harley-davidson.com/EX/MNT/ ... cale=en_US

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08 Specialized Langster

Yup! Just had my 2004MY xb12r headlamps replaced as a recall. If you do get a dealer to do it, be prepared to wait 7 weeks for the parts, have them refuse to let you fit them yourself even though you've got the old ones out - the dealer has to do it to ensure the job is done correctly - and then take it back because their idiot 'technicians' wired up the lamps the wrong way round.

Ask me how I know etc, etc...

all i get wheni put the vin number / mileage in is the next service that is due, so i figure that it hasnt got any recalls outstanding (then again as far as i am aware it has never had any recalls carried out on it.)

i feel a phone call coming on!

well, i think that confirms it, i havent heard back from my nearest harley dealership yet as to whether its due the recall, but i just took the dipped headlight apart and had a look inside, its black at the back, i tried to gently wipe it hoping that it was stuff on top of the mirroring, but all that happened was that what was left of the mirroroing rubbed off.

does anyone know if you can get just the reflector bit, or am i looking at buying a new headlight (it may work out cheaper than getting down to edinburgh!)

Call Buell UK and ask if you are due for the recall. You will be.

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08 Specialized Langster