Katana tail light issues

[Spuds1234]

My Katana keeps on blowing the rear tail light.

As far as I can see, there is nothing wrong with the wiring but the voltages are a bit high.

With the headlight going the tail light voltage is at about 13.7 when reving the bike. It varies a bit but it doesnt go over 14V.

Aside from replacing the bulb every 2 months, is there a quick, easy fix for this? Is it a sign of something else breaking on the bike?

[pete376403]

Is vibration killing it? The voltage is the same all around the bike, so the headlight, indicators, instrument lights, etc all get the same volts.
Suzuki electrics of that era were crappy, but the 14v would show the alternator and regulator are in pretty good shape.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Suzuki (and similar era) electrics:

http://www.thegsresources.com/garage/gs_statorfacts.htm

[CookMySock]

Fit an LED tail/brake combination bulb. I got one if you want it.

Steve

[Spuds1234]

Is vibration killing it? The voltage is the same all around the bike, so the headlight, indicators, instrument lights, etc all get the same volts.
Suzuki electrics of that era were crappy, but the 14v would show the alternator and regulator are in pretty good shape.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Suzuki (and similar era) electrics:

http://www.thegsresources.com/garage/gs_statorfacts.htm

Thanks for the link.. Sould come in handy. Not sure about the vibration, but it could be an issue. I would have thought though, with the tail light being on almost all the time that it wouldnt vibrate itself to death because the filiment wire would be hot and bendy.


Fit an LED tail/brake combination bulb. I got one if you want it.

Steve

Whats it look like and how much?

[CookMySock]

eight bucks incl postage. New price is $12. BRIGHT!!

dse.co.nz P8629 edit: there are cheaper chinese ones on trademe, if you like cheap chinese things.

[Spuds1234]

I'll give the lights some thought and get back to you.

[tri boy]

Reg u later.....rec ti fyer.
Get it sorted, or the winding's/alter nater might shit.

(felt like spacing my words out):sunny:

[KiwiKat]

The following link may be useful http://katriders.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=153

[Katman]

eight bucks incl postage. New price is $12. BRIGHT!!

dse.co.nz P8629 edit: there are cheaper chinese ones on trademe, if you like cheap chinese things.

That has to be the ugliest fucking light I have ever seen.

It looks like a fucking butt plug.

[Spuds1234]

That has to be the ugliest fucking light I have ever seen.

It looks like a fucking butt plug.

Doesnt matter what it looks like, so long as it works.

Do you have any issues like these with your katana Katman?

[CookMySock]

Thats not a butt plug katman. I use a fucken kumara for my butt plug. A stupid little brake light just doesn't do it for me, but it might suit you as your weak little inexperienced anoos will be unlikely to pop that little glass envelope.

Have a good time.

Steve

[davereid]

My Katana keeps on blowing the rear tail light.

As far as I can see, there is nothing wrong with the wiring but the voltages are a bit high.

With the headlight going the tail light voltage is at about 13.7 when reving the bike. It varies a bit but it doesnt go over 14V.

Aside from replacing the bulb every 2 months, is there a quick, easy fix for this? Is it a sign of something else breaking on the bike?

14 volts is normal, reg/rectifier are ok by the sound of it.

The vibration idea is sound - I had an XJ650 that popped headlights all the time, and the solution was to saw 2" off the front mudguard to stop a resonating buzz.

Give DBs idea a run, its a cheap fix.

[elevenhundred]

Make sure the fitting that holds the bulb is clean and holds the bulb securely.
The voltage readings you are getting sound good.