Clear Lenses / Bulbs Problem - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Pinhy · 07-26-2005, 07:50 PM

Well, I noticed my blinker light for my left turn signal was blinking fater than normal and the right was fine. So i decided to check the lights. Sure enough, the right front was out, so i figured i had a blown bulb (the one month old Cruiser Customizing bronze coated ones mind you).

I took the clear lens off and the thing was MELTED! Pulled the broken bulb off with it and all. So i checked the right side and the bulb was fine, but the plastic around it on the lens assembly was melted too! Im thinking these bulbs run a little HOT dont ya think?! The rear assemblies and bulbs are fine (for now).

Pics attached.

Anyone else have this problem with theirs?

I am going to call CC tomorrow and give them a few of my thoughts....but would like some input from you guys first.

.

QuacktheDuck · 07-26-2005, 08:07 PM

hm i am gonna say the paint on the bulbs got hot and contacted the plastic which melted? That's why I didn't wanna spring for the painted bulbs, even if it'd make everything appear totally clear. I experimented on painting some random bulbs few years back and even thick enamel melts really fast...

blitz · 07-26-2005, 08:14 PM

that sucks, let us know what CC recommends to use, since those should not be recommended

Pinhy · 07-26-2005, 08:38 PM

i know a few other people have done it....zuki dude for sure...if he hasnt had problems, could it be something i did wrong? maybe touching the bulb when i installed them (which i tried not to do at all, i used my shirt when handling them) caused them to get too hot in that spot?

i know a little about aftermarket bulbs from my days of playing with my cars fog lamps and such...putting higher wattage ones in (and had problems). but i thought these were the same wattage so wasnt worried.

i'll def. keep everyone posted on my conversation with CC.

.

Zuki Dude · 07-26-2005, 10:46 PM

Whoa ... weird. You aren't running the lights as fulltime auxiliaries are you? Definitely let me know what happens; everything's okay on this end for now. Might be time to look into those LED's.

**intimid8er** · 07-27-2005, 08:00 AM

Need a load equalizer maybe?

I tried to find the part and link on JP Cycles for you, but came up short. I'll remember to check for it later.

blitz · 07-27-2005, 08:44 AM

I'm holding off to change the signals, I want to do the clear lens' with LED bulbs on the front and eagle eye LED turn signals on the rear. Gotta change the stock round cases on the back for the oval ones, it will really look sharp on the rear.

Pinhy · 07-27-2005, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuki Dude

Whoa ... weird. You aren't running the lights as fulltime auxiliaries are you? Definitely let me know what happens; everything's okay on this end for now. Might be time to look into those LED's.

hmmm...thr front's are on all the time but the rears arent. the fronts melted the rear didnt. possible explanation?

thing is, i didnt change anything. arent all M's the same? fronts run all the time, rear's dont? was i supposed to change the wiring when i did this?

richj11 · 07-27-2005, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinhy

hmmm...thr front's are on all the time but the rears arent. the fronts melted the rear didnt. possible explanation?

thing is, i didnt change anything. arent all M's the same? fronts run all the time, rear's dont? was i supposed to change the wiring when i did this?

My C50T front turns are on as running lights all the time.

I also installed the clear lenses and amber bulbs from Cruiser Customizing. It has been about a week and I have ridden a few hundred miles since installing them.

After reading your post, I went and pulled mine to check them and all appears to be well. No signs of any deformation or melting.

Hopefully (well for the rest of us, anyway) this was an isolated incident? Maybe a bad bulb? Those were the dual filament bulbs installed in the front, right?

Rich J

tlwisner · 07-27-2005, 11:53 AM

What is the wattage on the "hot" bulbs?

A load equalizer is used for LEDs, which do not draw enough current compared to regular bulbs for the blinkers to function correctly.

**intimid8er** · 07-27-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlwisner

What is the wattage on the "hot" bulbs?

A load equalizer is used for LEDs, which do not draw enough current compared to regular bulbs for the blinkers to function correctly.

Thanks Tim!

nickmimi · 07-30-2005, 10:02 PM

Pinhy,

I had the clear lenses for about a month. I went to change the amber bulbs with the chrome coated ones and found my right front cover was melted. What did CC say about the problem?

Zuki Dude · 08-04-2005, 09:45 PM

Took off the front lenses today to find the chrome housing melted. Had to take the entire assembly out with bulb because the housing deformed around the bulb. Looks like Clear Alternative's got a problem! I'm going to see if I can talk to someone at CA about this and let Cruiser Customizing know as they are a retailer.

blitz · 08-04-2005, 10:20 PM

that sucks!

nickmimi · 08-04-2005, 10:52 PM

I spoke with Bill "the manager" about the emerging problems with the lenses. He contacted Clear alternatives who sent me 4 new lenses. I was told it was a bad batch.

The thing that was really interesting to me was that cruiser customizing said they had never heard of a problem until I called. I let them know there were at least 3 people having the same problem and one of them addressed the issue in a review on their web site.

Received the new lenses tonight. Hope they work out better than the last batch.

QuacktheDuck · 08-04-2005, 10:53 PM

dang...eh i'll just keep mine in there, scared to pull em to check. Looks like they specified a plastic that couldn't take the heat...not good. My amber lenses are still sitting in my toolbox, but I swore I'd never use em again.

just realized I don't have the receipt anymore either...great

blitz · 08-04-2005, 10:54 PM

I just ordered these, I hope they fit. Clear Lens, LED, Chromed Eagle Eye Turn Signals.

wayout1 · 08-04-2005, 11:06 PM

Crap.. it was bad enough i ordered the chrome lamps from CC.. and they sent the orange.. and i ordered a black LED plate frame and they sent chrome... but now the Clear Alternatives are going to melt? Its bad enough its too hot to RIDE here... whats CC saying these days.. im TOTALLY unimpressed.

mr_resistible · 08-05-2005, 12:08 AM

It might be that there not using an 1157 bulb. They have one that is a 2457 I believe. It is the same amperage and it remains normal brightness untill you hit the bright side. Like when the blinker is on. Then it is very bright and gets really hot real quick. I put one of these bulbs in my tail light of my C50. And you can feel the heat off the lense. I also have a brake light flasher so that helps cool the bulb. I would not use this bulb on a stock bike where the tail light remains on constantly. I think it would eventually melt the tail light. Some people use these to make the turn signals or brake lights brighter. Check to see if the bulbs are marked somehow.

That might be something to check into. I also hear of people changing the halogen bulb in there headlights. The stock bulb is a 5560. 55W low beam 60W high beam and they replace them with a 80100 80W low beam 100W high beam. In bikes with glass mirrors and glass optics you can change this and get really good results. But the C50's I know have a plastic relfector headlight and a plastic lens cover. So be carefull when ordering replacment head lamps also.

QuacktheDuck · 08-05-2005, 12:17 AM

So far it looks like it happens with the chrome bulbs only am i right? Looking into mine I didn't see any signs of melting...but I'm using the amber bulbs that came with the lenses. I ordered from C.A. direct too...

07-26-2005, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	Clear Lenses / Bulbs Problem Well, I noticed my blinker light for my left turn signal was blinking fater than normal and the right was fine. So i decided to check the lights. Sure enough, the right front was out, so i figured i had a blown bulb (the one month old Cruiser Customizing bronze coated ones mind you). I took the clear lens off and the thing was MELTED! Pulled the broken bulb off with it and all. So i checked the right side and the bulb was fine, but the plastic around it on the lens assembly was melted too! Im thinking these bulbs run a little HOT dont ya think?! The rear assemblies and bulbs are fine (for now). Pics attached. Anyone else have this problem with theirs? I am going to call CC tomorrow and give them a few of my thoughts....but would like some input from you guys first. . Attached Thumbnails __________________ (a polite PM would have worked, but now it's about principle)

07-26-2005, 08:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
blitz Clunked into first gear Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 233	that sucks, let us know what CC recommends to use, since those should not be recommended __________________ kuryakyn ISO grips, throttle boss, stilleto footpegs brake and shift cover, Saddleman bags, custom fender eliminator, missing badges, chrome tank trim, skulls&webs fender graphic, Xenon Blue Headlamp, Vance & Hines Straightshot pipes, EagleEye LED rear turn-signals...

07-26-2005, 08:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	i know a few other people have done it....zuki dude for sure...if he hasnt had problems, could it be something i did wrong? maybe touching the bulb when i installed them (which i tried not to do at all, i used my shirt when handling them) caused them to get too hot in that spot? i know a little about aftermarket bulbs from my days of playing with my cars fog lamps and such...putting higher wattage ones in (and had problems). but i thought these were the same wattage so wasnt worried. i'll def. keep everyone posted on my conversation with CC. . __________________ (a polite PM would have worked, but now it's about principle)

07-26-2005, 10:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
Zuki Dude Fourth gear and illegal Joined: May 2005 Bike: Sadly, nothing at the moment :( Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 762	Whoa ... weird. You aren't running the lights as fulltime auxiliaries are you? Definitely let me know what happens; everything's okay on this end for now. Might be time to look into those LED's. __________________ "I said it before, and I'm here to say it again ... there IS no cure ... I AM back!"

07-27-2005, 08:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
blitz Clunked into first gear Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 233	I'm holding off to change the signals, I want to do the clear lens' with LED bulbs on the front and eagle eye LED turn signals on the rear. Gotta change the stock round cases on the back for the oval ones, it will really look sharp on the rear. __________________ kuryakyn ISO grips, throttle boss, stilleto footpegs brake and shift cover, Saddleman bags, custom fender eliminator, missing badges, chrome tank trim, skulls&webs fender graphic, Xenon Blue Headlamp, Vance & Hines Straightshot pipes, EagleEye LED rear turn-signals...

07-26-2005, 08:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	hm i am gonna say the paint on the bulbs got hot and contacted the plastic which melted? That's why I didn't wanna spring for the painted bulbs, even if it'd make everything appear totally clear. I experimented on painting some random bulbs few years back and even thick enamel melts really fast...

07-27-2005, 08:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 9,453	Need a load equalizer maybe? I tried to find the part and link on JP Cycles for you, but came up short. I'll remember to check for it later.

07-27-2005, 11:53 AM	#10 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	What is the wattage on the "hot" bulbs? A load equalizer is used for LEDs, which do not draw enough current compared to regular bulbs for the blinkers to function correctly. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create Last edited by tlwisner; 07-27-2005 at 11:55 AM.

07-30-2005, 10:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
nickmimi In Training Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: 2005 M50 black Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 120	Pinhy, I had the clear lenses for about a month. I went to change the amber bulbs with the chrome coated ones and found my right front cover was melted. What did CC say about the problem?

08-04-2005, 09:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
Zuki Dude Fourth gear and illegal Joined: May 2005 Bike: Sadly, nothing at the moment :( Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 762	Took off the front lenses today to find the chrome housing melted. Had to take the entire assembly out with bulb because the housing deformed around the bulb. Looks like Clear Alternative's got a problem! I'm going to see if I can talk to someone at CA about this and let Cruiser Customizing know as they are a retailer. __________________ "I said it before, and I'm here to say it again ... there IS no cure ... I AM back!"

08-04-2005, 10:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
blitz Clunked into first gear Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 233	that sucks! __________________ kuryakyn ISO grips, throttle boss, stilleto footpegs brake and shift cover, Saddleman bags, custom fender eliminator, missing badges, chrome tank trim, skulls&webs fender graphic, Xenon Blue Headlamp, Vance & Hines Straightshot pipes, EagleEye LED rear turn-signals...

08-04-2005, 10:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
nickmimi In Training Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: 2005 M50 black Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 120	I spoke with Bill "the manager" about the emerging problems with the lenses. He contacted Clear alternatives who sent me 4 new lenses. I was told it was a bad batch. The thing that was really interesting to me was that cruiser customizing said they had never heard of a problem until I called. I let them know there were at least 3 people having the same problem and one of them addressed the issue in a review on their web site. Received the new lenses tonight. Hope they work out better than the last batch.

08-04-2005, 10:53 PM	#16 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	dang...eh i'll just keep mine in there, scared to pull em to check. Looks like they specified a plastic that couldn't take the heat...not good. My amber lenses are still sitting in my toolbox, but I swore I'd never use em again. just realized I don't have the receipt anymore either...great

08-04-2005, 10:54 PM	#17 (permalink)
blitz Clunked into first gear Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 233	I just ordered these, I hope they fit. Clear Lens, LED, Chromed Eagle Eye Turn Signals. __________________ kuryakyn ISO grips, throttle boss, stilleto footpegs brake and shift cover, Saddleman bags, custom fender eliminator, missing badges, chrome tank trim, skulls&webs fender graphic, Xenon Blue Headlamp, Vance & Hines Straightshot pipes, EagleEye LED rear turn-signals...

08-04-2005, 11:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
wayout1 Puddle Runner Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 05 M50 (blue) Location: Tempe AZ - suburb of Hell! Posts: 391	Crap.. it was bad enough i ordered the chrome lamps from CC.. and they sent the orange.. and i ordered a black LED plate frame and they sent chrome... but now the Clear Alternatives are going to melt? Its bad enough its too hot to RIDE here... whats CC saying these days.. im TOTALLY unimpressed. __________________ Got myself a one way ticket. Going the wrong way. ~~AC/DC "Ride On"

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

08-05-2005, 12:08 AM	#19 (permalink)
mr_resistible Wants Better Weather Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05' C50 Location: Gering Ne Posts: 665	It might be that there not using an 1157 bulb. They have one that is a 2457 I believe. It is the same amperage and it remains normal brightness untill you hit the bright side. Like when the blinker is on. Then it is very bright and gets really hot real quick. I put one of these bulbs in my tail light of my C50. And you can feel the heat off the lense. I also have a brake light flasher so that helps cool the bulb. I would not use this bulb on a stock bike where the tail light remains on constantly. I think it would eventually melt the tail light. Some people use these to make the turn signals or brake lights brighter. Check to see if the bulbs are marked somehow. That might be something to check into. I also hear of people changing the halogen bulb in there headlights. The stock bulb is a 5560. 55W low beam 60W high beam and they replace them with a 80100 80W low beam 100W high beam. In bikes with glass mirrors and glass optics you can change this and get really good results. But the C50's I know have a plastic relfector headlight and a plastic lens cover. So be carefull when ordering replacment head lamps also. __________________ ] Last edited by mr_resistible; 08-05-2005 at 12:10 AM.

08-05-2005, 12:17 AM	#20 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	So far it looks like it happens with the chrome bulbs only am i right? Looking into mine I didn't see any signs of melting...but I'm using the amber bulbs that came with the lenses. I ordered from C.A. direct too...

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Contact lenses	Kehau D.	Off Topic	4	03-19-2006 06:14 PM
Installed Clear Alternatives Smoked Lenses	Zuki Dude	Sportbikes & Sport-tourers	2	02-07-2006 02:59 AM
Clear Lenses	bodie27	Volusia/C50 Getaway	6	01-08-2006 02:19 AM
Installed: Mirrors and clear lenses	Zuki Dude	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	28	06-22-2005 11:57 PM
clear signal light lenses	QuacktheDuck	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	7	06-01-2005 10:11 PM