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[longlast]

Three months ago the bulb in the auxiliary running lamps blew.The bulbs were the original ones from 2007 (year of bike) when the first one blew I got two bulbs from the HD Dealer because I expected the other one to go due to there age and sure enough with in a couple of weeks the other one went.
Now three months later one of the new bulbs have blown that I got from HD. I went to the dealer to get two more ( having one as spare) I told the parts person that I had only replaced the bulb three months ago, really he said you should book it in the shop to get the wiring checked.
It was then when he put the bulbs on the counter it said on the box labeling Genuine Harley Davidson Parts and in small letters in the corner (made in China). I said could it be this is why they only lasted three months? He said they should last longer you should have the wiring checked. I don't think there's a problem with the wiring I'd be more inclined to believe it's inferior bulbs.

In the pic the right bulb is the genuine HD bulb,.. should it not have the HD logo on it if it was genuine HD?
The bulbs are 12v 35w from HD

The pic on the left is one of four bulbs I have that are 12v 55w. Question is if I use these bulbs will/ can the wiring handle the wattage of the bulb?

[bissjim]

Your wiring can handle the 55 Watt bulbs. Have to agree with you in that the problem is probable inferior bulbs.

Jim@hdbomm.com

[longlast]

Your wiring can handle the 55 Watt bulbs. Have to agree with you in that the problem is probable inferior bulbs.

Jim@hdbomm.com

  I'll put the 55s in and see how they last.

[NH Bulldog]

The wiring can handle the increased wattage.  The only issue you might run into (at least here in the states) is that putting a higher wattage bulb in an auxiliary light takes away it's DOT (department of transportation) compliance and makes it not legal for street use.  Really it is splitting hairs and shouldn't be an issue though.

[ultrarider123]

Hey Pete, have you considered the LED bulb route on your auxiliary running lamps?  Probably still made in China but they would pull less voltage and should run longer than the incandescent bulbs.  There are quite a few options on our side of the pond but those may be limited in the UK plus your highway laws may limit what is/isn't legal.  Something to consider, however.

[coloradotom]

I ran these kinds of bulbs (60w Philips version) for years and years and years on my '01 and never had an issue.

[longlast]

Hey Pete, have you considered the LED bulb route on your auxiliary running lamps?  Probably still made in China but they would pull less voltage and should run longer than the incandescent bulbs.  There are quite a few options on our side of the pond but those may be limited in the UK plus your highway laws may limit what is/isn't legal.  Something to consider, however.

I did some research and this is the closest I can come up with. Added a pdf


Requirements about the use of headlamps and front fog lamps

25.—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road a vehicle which is fitted with obligatory dipped-beam headlamps unless every such lamp is kept lit–

(a)during the hours of darkness, except on a road which is a restricted road for the purposes of section 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 by virtue of a system of street lighting when it is lit; and
(b)in seriously reduced visibility.
(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply–

(a)in the case of a motor vehicle fitted with one obligatory dipped-beam headlamp or a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if a main-beam headlamp or a front fog lamp is kept lit;
(b)in the case of a motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination, fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if–
(i)a pair of main-beam headlamps is kept lit; or
(ii)in seriously reduced visibility, a pair of front fog lamps which is so fitted that the outermost part of the illuminated area of each lamp in the pair is not more than 400 mm from the outer edge of the vehicle is kept lit;
(c)to a vehicle being drawn by another vehicle;
(d)to a vehicle while being used to propel a snow plough; or
(e)to a vehicle which is parked.
(3) For the purposes of this regulation a headlamp shall not be regarded as lit if its intensity is reduced by a dim-dip device

[CVODON]

Never buy automotive bulbs from Harley. Use Sylvania bulb crossover chart , then any auto parts store can supply superior bulbs.

[longlast]

Never buy automotive bulbs from Harley. Use Sylvania bulb crossover chart , then any auto parts store can supply superior bulbs.

I use these bulbs for the headlight plugs straight in been working for two years now.

VANSSI 9003 H4/H7 LED Motorcycle Headlight CREE LED Light Bulb 30W 6500K White