Both headlights blew out

[Papa smurf2]

On our recent trip out West, blew the left side headlight one day and the right side the very next. Here is what I learned:
1) Carry a spare or two; its easier than finding an auto parts store. (H7 is the bulb #)
2) Practice changing a bulb a couple of time before a long trip
3) DONT TOUCH THE LAMP
4) Dont throw the adaptor away.

[TravelinLite]

Yikes, I hope you didn't accidentally throw away the adapter.

[jmohme]

The first time I had a headlight burn out was on my 03. I noticed the right low beam out when I got to work. At lunch I went to the local parts store and changed it in their parking lot..
When I got back to work the other was out.
Here's what I learned.
Always change them in pairs!

[Cruiseman]

My bulbs would only last about 6 months on my 2007. I always kept 2 spares in my trunk. I had both low-beams pop on me at the same time at 5am, on a pitch dark highway. Try that sometime just for fun. If not for my driving lights, I am not sure what would have happened. I have HIDs on my 2012 and they have been very reliable, never blown one.

I would add one item to Papa Smurf's list: Always put the bike on the center stand, or the little spring clip will be a pain.

[Rick S]

Guess I will read up on how to change bulbs. But with the deer so thick we don't ride at night anymore so it would not be critical if they went out. Yea I know about safety but the old crocks I sometime ride requires you to strike a match to see if the headlight is on.

[orangecrate]

Seems the original bulbs last way longer than the replacements. Another reason for HIDs, I guess.

[Cruiseman]

Guess I will read up on how to change bulbs. But with the deer so thick we don't ride at night anymore so it would not be critical if they went out. Yea I know about safety but the old crocks I sometime ride requires you to strike a match to see if the headlight is on.

I have an On Demand video showing how to do this ($3.99), or, I will post some instructions later in the Technical area showing the steps with some photos.

[Fatwing]

Seems the original bulbs last way longer than the replacements. Another reason for HIDs, I guess.

That's funny,I heard the cheap bulbs last as long or longer than the HID's.

[Yellowbird]

Mine lasted about to years, just replaced them again left went out a couple of days later the right went looking at HIDs

[Pizza Man]

One of my low beams went out last year. Luck I was at a rally. I had one of the vendors replace both of them right away.

[m45mcdan]

Your lucky they both went out at nearly the same time. I usually replace them both as once one goes it seems like within 6 months the other goes. I keep the good bulb in the trunk just in case.

[Papa smurf2]

Travlinlite: Well, yes I did, sort of. Forgot all about them, pulled the old bulbs and tossed them in a trash can (I was on top of a parking garage in St Louis at the time) 45 minutes later, and still cant get the darn plug back on, our friend in Ohio txt to say "Hey, dont forget the adaptor" So after a quick dumpster dive . . . .
DUH !!!!

[bullyboy]

Seems the original bulbs last way longer than the replacements. Another reason for HIDs, I guess.

Don't fall victim to the H7 bulbs that claim to be brighter and whiter. Yeah...they are, but they burn out significantly sooner and cost more. To me, the difference isn't that noticeable.

[Biker John]

They always seem to go in pares

[tommyone]

I have an 02 and never had to replace them. Every time A headlight thread comes up makes me wonder if I should. But then decide if it's not broke don't fix it. I need to get one to put in the bike just in case.

[robwall90]

My 2010 eats low beam bulbs like rear tires. 4-6 months life.

[lyle doverspike]

My 2012 low beams lasted almost two years and a little over 50,000 miles. Right went out then a week and a half later left burnt out. The Honda shop replaced and put them in under warranty.

[jmohme]

I have an 02 and never had to replace them. Every time A headlight thread comes up makes me wonder if I should. But then decide if it's not broke don't fix it. I need to get one to put in the bike just in case.

How many miles do you have on your02?

My 2012 low beams lasted almost two years and a little over 50,000 miles. Right went out then a week and a half later left burnt out. The Honda shop replaced and put them in under warranty.

50,000 sounds about right.
My first three 1800's I averaged 50 to 60,000 a year and would burn out at least one low beam a year.

[Papa smurf2]

Tommyone: i had never replaced a bulb on my 04 either, then BANG, both headlights went out. Ya never know. A spare is a great idea.

[David Cotten]

I was riding today and got behind a car and saw that one of mine was out I had one in the trunk and changed it out when I got home. I always carry spares, you never know when one will go out