No Headlights on My RT - Page 3

jpalamaro · 12-10-2008, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

When the batteries that run volt meters (double AA or 9 volt) get weak the meter will give high voltage readings. I am constantly changing the 9 volt battery in my Snap-On meter. Perhaps it had been awhile since the batteries were changed in both of the meters used.

The VOM's were tested with a known, good battery and they tested fine.

RBMann · 12-10-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nail24

I used to use cigarette wrapper foil. It was a good 20 amp fuse in my '53 Ford.

But then I would have to take up smoking and we know that does not go too well with MC riding.

RB

flatbutt · 12-10-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBMann

But then I would have to take up smoking and we know that does not go too well with MC riding.

RB

well...if you leave the faceshield open a crack....

Guest24 · 12-15-2008, 01:43 PM

Well, it's in the trailer and up to Atlanta BMW Wednesday. Riding home in traffic with the cd player running, both lowbeam lamps blew. I didn't use the highbeam until after I turned off the cd player. This has got to be a voltage spike associated wit the cp player at idle speed.

geothepencil · 12-15-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nail24

Riding home in traffic with the cd player running, both lowbeam lamps blew. I didn't use the highbeam until after I turned off the cd player. This has got to be a voltage spike associated wit the cp player at idle speed.

I wouldn't think a cd player on a bike would cause severe line fluctuations but there is always the possibility of adding a "stiffening" capacitor to the sound system as part of a heavy duty wiring refit which could level out the peak current draws.

geo

wswartzwel · 12-15-2008, 03:21 PM

Nail what kind of music are you playing, high pitched vibes popping the bulbs...
George Michael ??

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

Must be AC/DC

wswartzwel · 12-15-2008, 04:06 PM

"back in "black"

geothepencil · 12-15-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Must be AC/DC

You're on the right track, but I'm betting its Tesla.

geo

Guest24 · 12-15-2008, 04:41 PM

Led Zeppelin but "Black Dog" ain't that heavy.

wswartzwel · 12-15-2008, 05:05 PM

well.... that knocks the lights out of; my guess.. Rolling Stones "fade to black"

JonyRR · 12-15-2008, 07:33 PM

IF a freakin' CD player is causing the headlight bulbs to blow....there's only one thing to do.
yard out the CD player and use it for a clay pidgeon...it's a motorcycle fer crissake, and don' need no stinkin' CD player...a CD player is for some kind of Cadillac ElDorado or somesuch

Guest24 · 12-16-2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonyRR

IF a freakin' CD player is causing the headlight bulbs to blow....there's only one thing to do.
yard out the CD player and use it for a clay pidgeon...it's a motorcycle fer crissake, and don' need no stinkin' CD player...a CD player is for some kind of Cadillac ElDorado or somesuch

BMW built it Jony. BMW can fix it. After all it's still under warranty.

JonyRR · 12-16-2008, 07:36 AM

All meant in gentle fun and jest, Bubba.
If it was mine and under warranty it'd be in the shop for sure.

Guest24 · 12-17-2008, 12:47 PM

Well, I'm back from a day at the BMW doctor's office with the Touring Limo. All in all a very fun and productive day. Got to ride the RT up and back, Nate's crew chief solved the mystery of the blown headlamps, I test rode the F800GS and got to talk about next season with Nate Kern.

The mystery is really weird. It seems that the stereo system was only the catalyst and nothing more. The right low beam headlamp leed (yellow) and severely chaffed and when the bass notes vibrated the leed it went to ground and that blew the bulbs. A temporary fix is now in place while I await a completely new head light assembly. Go figure that one. It has prolly esisted since installation and only presented itself because I use the stereo system. First owner didn't.

The GS test run was a kick. If you ride it you will want to buy it. Great feel, brakes and overall smootheness. Not over powered but enough to let you know that you can call on it when needed. Bike only had 80 miles on it so I didn't exceed 5k on the revs. Very good ergo's and the seat was more comfortable for my taste than my RT low seat. The bike is definately not too tall for us height challenged dudes. Chain drive is very smooth. Sorry Curve but chain technology has advanced also. After the boxer this bike is anoraxic in it's width. You do feel a little heat from the radiator on the inside of your thighs. I wonder how that will feel in th heat of summer? Displays are very easy to interpret even without reading the owners manual. The stock suspension on rough asphalt was nominal. The tires had not yet been scrubbed in but I could tell that with a third of a tank of gas it will heel very nicely. Getting on and off with the topbox is somewhat awkard for us short legged riders. BMW still needs to perfect a sidestand that locks in place when there is weight on the bike. You'd still want to have it in gear when parked. Speaking of gears, They were really smooth, both up and down shifting. Well, if I win lotto I'll go get one immediately after I quit my job.

My conversation with Nate was productive from a BMWSR point of view. This next season will be one of transition in my opinion. This is solely my opinion after our talk. I can only say that Nate will be much more visible to many who like to hang out where bikes all run in the same direction. This next year will be one of those fleeting opportunities to rub elbows with a master of BMW racing. Don't miss out on your shot when it comes your way. Nate has become a dedicated student of racing the BMW way.

There are lots of bike on the show room floor including a HP2S ABS. Didn't have the K13S there yet but there a real deals to be had on K12S's.

Like I said, it was like a free run in the candy store today. Temp 75 with clouds and no rain. Yep, it was a good BMW day all around. I feel sorry for all you riders that are snowed in right now. Spring's coming.

jpalamaro · 12-17-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nail24

Go figure that one. It has prolly esisted since installation and only presented itself because I use the stereo system. First owner didn't.

First owner probably not a wimpy tourer like you Bubba.

Glad there's a happy ending. Sorry I didn't call back...got involved with work. Very happy for you.

Guest24 · 12-17-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpalamaro

First owner probably not a wimpy tourer like you Bubba.

Glad there's a happy ending. Sorry I didn't call back...got involved with work. Very happy for you.

Or maybe first owner was TONE Deaf.

TX_R12S · 12-17-2008, 01:40 PM

Great to hear it's fixed - sounds like you had some very capable help. I've been watching this thread since it started, hoping my RT wasn't a ticking time bomb. Got to ride one of those F800GS's - you're right, I really want one of those but kind of hard to justify another bike. You've got me really curious about Nate's 2009 season - I'll be anxiously awaiting more news in the coming weeks. I've actually had the Daytona MOTO-ST opener on in the background all day (for the umpteenth time) so I'm ready for some new racing.

AZ-Twin · 12-17-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nail24

The right low beam headlamp leed (yellow) and severely chaffed and when the bass notes vibrated the leed it went to ground and that blew the bulbs.

Seems like that would blow a fuse, not a bulb. Does the RT have HID or some fancy headlight technology, or is it just a halogen bulb?

TX_R12S · 12-17-2008, 01:56 PM

Mine are standard halogens.