Tail/Brake Lamps

[Sven]

My left tail light burns out frequently.  I am using lamp # 2057.  Any ideas why this side would go out more often?

[orionburn]

I used to have the same type of problem with my FZR, then all of a sudden it just stopped doing it. Would go through 2-3 bulbs in a month some times. Never did figure out why/what caused it.

Are you wiping the bulb down to get fingerprints off of it after you put a new one in?

[Sven]

Are you wiping the bulb down to get fingerprints off of it after you put a new one in?

Honestly?  No.  I've never seen that recommended in conjunction with a traditional filament bulb, only with halogen.  I guess I can try that next time I have to replace this one.

[orionburn]

I know it applies more to halogen bulbs than filament types, but figure it can't hurt anything since they are constantly on. Only other thing I could suggest is check the contact points on the bulb housing. Maybe there's some dirt or corrosion in there that is keeping it from getting good contact and causing undo strain on the bulb.

[kitesurfer]

somewhere i read that these bulbs are slightly loose and that causes them to burn out.  the fix iis a drop of solder on the (solder spot) of the bulb.  this tightens it up and last a lonng time.  i've only had my bike a few months and replaced both bulbs once.

[rkfire]

From brand new, just one bulb on mine comes and goes. Next time, push the bulb in while the ignition is on to see if it's just loose like mine. Apparently many have at least one socket that just doesn't provide enough spring/contact. A little solder does the trick.

[Red01]

I put a slight crimp in the barrel of the bulb sockets on mine and that has helped them ground better.  The ground was poor when the bike was new, but this simple fix helped a lot.  I also apply some dielectric grease to the bulbs when I install them.

[PaulVS]

I put a slight crimp in the barrel of the bulb sockets on mine and that has helped them ground better.  The ground was poor when the bike was new, but this simple fix helped a lot.  I also apply some dielectric grease to the bulbs when I install them.

Yep... that seems to be the fix.  The inside diameter of the socket is a little large, so the bulb vibrates and therefore loses a lot of it's lifespan. 

[Sven]

Now, see, where else would I get this simple explanation?!