So last night I'm riding home at about 9:30 from a get-together and on my way I lose my low beam .  Luckily I switch to my high beam and it was cool so I kept going and people were flashing like crazy but I didn't really have a choice.

What else could go wrong?  Well on the darkest part of the road where there aren't any street lights, my high beam goes .  Now I have nothing for a headlight and can't hardly see the reflectors on the road.  I managed to see my way to a turn out and waited for some cars to go by.  I quickly got in behind one with my turn signal just flashing and used their lights.  I got back on a main street to my place and just rode in the bicycle lane with my turn signal still going.  When I had to turn, I waited for more cars and fell in behind them.  Then some guy tells me my headlight is out... no sh*t, its my only one  

I made it home safe so I'm just glad about that.  I know I should have parked it and called my roommate but I really didn't want to leave my bike on the side of the road.

Moral?  Don't get caught in the dark like I did

Scary.  Glad you made it home safe!

Suck.  What was the deal? Did you just burn out the bulb?

R

Hmmm, yeah, let us know what happened incase we have a similar prob.

 -Anti

had the same damn thing happen to me, but, i always carry a flashlight, mini Maglight is great. bright,lightweight and you can hold it between fingers aimed at the road.  i didnt have my duct tape under the seat that night, or i would have taped it to the headlight bucket

I have been meaning to carry a spare in my tank bag.  Thanks for the reminder.  At least you weren't in the middle of a curve leaned over hard.

remind me to keep fuses and bulbs at hand for trips at night.

Ok here's an update

I pulled the bulb out and the filaments were toast so that was a relief to see that at least.  I was thinking doomsday senarios about my wiring and stuff.  It did turn out to be a bad bulb

So now a review of my new headlight
I went to the local Kragen in search of a new H4 and saw Sylvania's Silverstar H4's for 25 bones.  I was checking out the wattage and at 45/65 I wasn't sure.  I have the Xtravision series on a couple cars and those were nice and these are supposed to be better.  I took a chance and WOW.  These things are B R I G H T!  They almost look like true HID bulbs from the front. (I put the bike on the centerstand and walked up our alley)  Don't be worried about the low-ish rating for the low beam because these things are FAR superior to standard H4's.

It really was the absolute last thing I would expect on the bike but it really could have been worse.  All it takes is some quick thinking (woohoo bicycle lane) and some luck (people with headlights to follow).  I'm relieved that I didn't see a cop and get pulled over.

i should try that silverstars one..

well next time i have some money.

Good job! Adapt and overcome...came, overcame!

Andy,
I'm glad you made it home alright. Wish I coulda joined ya; a riding partner coulda spotted ya for that light malfunction.   I had plans that I couldn't break away from...

So, how was the company? Did you meet any potential riding partners?
(If ya did, it's too bad none of them were going your way home...)

I have the Silverstar myself and love it.  Highly recommended.  The package that mine came in says it's 55/60 Watts.

Was that one of the BARF get-togethers?

Quote from: scratchWas that one of the BARF get-togethers?

Yeah it was one of the Starbux meets.  It boiled down to something to do and it was a really nice night.  I didn't feel like sitting at home

I met quite a few nice people.  One guy was on a 996 that was modded.  He said he usually rides the Saturday loop rides and had on his one piece suit.  There were a couple other cool guys that had some bling'ed out gixxer 750's.  I have to admit polished and chrome bikes look wayyyy better in person than in pics.  One had custom paint that looked like glass breaking all over the fairings and tank... really cool look.  There were some other guys with some nice bikes that I talked to.  One had a sweet ZRX with intake/exhaust, suspension and stuff.  I think most of them were far beyond my skill level.  I had fun talking with the people and just hanging out.  The people that my roommate and I go out with don't share many interests.  We also only really see them when they are drunk or getting drunk and they don't talk about much else but partying.

Cris, don't even worry about not making it.  A riding partner would have helped for the ride home but there's no way I could have known my bulb would go on that particular ride home.

Hmmm.  Duct tape and a flashlight are definitely going under the seat tomorrow.  I never really thought about that happening.