Issues with headlight getting chipped or cracked?

**p.dath** · 19th December 2009, 15:36

When I bought my bike it had one of those headlight protectors on it, attached with Velcro.

I'm not particularly fussed with the look, and I am thinking about removing the protector.

For those with sports bikes, have you had much of an issue with broken or chipped headlights?

I figure being mostly on sealed roads should mean the chances are low, and even if I am on a road with some loose gravel it should be as simple as not following behind the person in front too closely.

Your experiences?

**boman** · 19th December 2009, 15:55

No, never had a problem, mine are polycarbonate. You used to be able to buy some stick on stuff from REPCO, called liteskins, or summin like that. Comes in a sheet, you cut to shape and sick over the glass.

Are your lights glass, or polycarb?? I would have thought they would be polycarb. If they are poly then you would have to be unlucky to break them.

**James Deuce** · 19th December 2009, 15:58

Leave it on. Chances of it getting broken are vastly higher than you'd imagine. 4 or so years ago I went on a ride and the count was 3 holed radiators, 2 broken headlights, 2 holed fairings and one Hawk rammed into a CBR's airbox.

One chap who is no longer with us had fitted both a radiator guard and headlight protectors to his bike and as a consequence was replacing about $60 worth of stuff rather than the hundreds of dollars everyone else was spending. One of the guys with us "only" got a chip in his R6's headlight. The next time it rained it filled with water and shorted the lighting circuit and main fuse.

This was mostly caused by unswept freshly sealed roads at relatively moderate speeds and people weren't even following particularly closely.

Headlights are vastly more expensive than you'd imagine for an enclosed unit like the one on your CBR.

A 1999-2007 GSX600F headlight is $1800 to replace. DAMHIK.

**dipshit** · 19th December 2009, 15:59

Originally Posted by p.dath

For those with sports bikes, have you had much of an issue with broken or chipped headlights?

On my last few Suzuki bikes - they have been made out of plastic. I have had the occasional mark/dent from road chip been thrown up. If one ever does get cracked... being plastic, it should be reasonably cheap to replace anyhow.

I other words i don't worry about them.

**James Deuce** · 19th December 2009, 16:02

Originally Posted by dipshit

On my last few Suzuki bikes - they have been made out of plastic. I have had the occasional mark/dent from road chip been thrown up. If one ever does get cracked... being plastic, it should be reasonably cheap to replace anyhow.

I other words i don't worry about them.

GSX600F. $1800. Not cheap.

**dipshit** · 19th December 2009, 16:02

Originally Posted by James Deuce

I went on a ride and the count was 3 holed radiators...

I have fitted a RadGuard to my bike though!

**dipshit** · 19th December 2009, 16:03

Originally Posted by James Deuce

GSX600F. $1800. Not cheap.

Do they have plastic ones though..???

Lucky i have a GSXR.

**Grumpy** · 19th December 2009, 16:25

Yeah, I'd leave it on or find an alternative. A hole in the pocket .... as in a new light is a lot worse than a bit velcro stuck to your light.

**ManDownUnder** · 19th December 2009, 16:38

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Leave it on. Chances of it getting broken are vastly higher than you'd imagine. 4 or so years ago I went on a ride and the count was 3 holed radiators, 2 broken headlights, 2 holed fairings and one Hawk rammed into a CBR's airbox.

And by comparison I had 1 headlight crack in 15 years... with no protectos... but my answer is the same as JII... leave it on

Originally Posted by James Deuce

One chap who is no longer with us had fitted both a radiator guard and headlight protectors to his bike and as a consequence was replacing about $60 worth of stuff rather than the hundreds of dollars everyone else was spending. One of the guys with us "only" got a chip in his R6's headlight. The next time it rained it filled with water and shorted the lighting circuit and main fuse.

This was mostly caused by unswept freshly sealed roads at relatively moderate speeds and people weren't even following particularly closely.

Headlights are vastly more expensive than you'd imagine for an enclosed unit like the one on your CBR.

A 1999-2007 GSX600F headlight is $1800 to replace. DAMHIK.

And all of the above is why I agree with JII. If it happens a lot or a little... it costs a SHITLOAD when it does.

If the look is that unacceptable to you then don't do it... but give a month and see what grows on you (just don't rub it in public)

**MSTRS:Me** · 19th December 2009, 16:46

Polycarbonates are hard to break, but they chip. Quite badly, at times. Enough chips, and Mr Wofman says "Replace that".
Leave the cover on. Or get the clear headlight film put on.
If you find yourself in Napier, come and see me...I'll do it.

**dipshit** · 19th December 2009, 16:49

Some of those attachable plastic covers discolour and become less opaque overtime. They can get bad enough to fail a wof. If this is the case then lose it and don't worry about replacing it.

**MSTRS:Me** · 19th December 2009, 16:55

Oyez Oyez Oyez...
Gather close, for I have news of great import...
Dipshit is a headlight salesman...on commission.

**p.dath** · 19th December 2009, 17:02

Originally Posted by boman

Are your lights glass, or polycarb?? I would have thought they would be polycarb. If they are poly then you would have to be unlucky to break them.

They appear to be a genuine Honda part looking at the part numbers, but a tap with my finger makes me believe they are not glass. So I would assume polycarb as you suggest.

Originally Posted by James Deuce

A 1999-2007 GSX600F headlight is $1800 to replace. DAMHIK.

Holy fuck. I mean Jesus. I mean, that's a bit more expensive than I was thinking.

Originally Posted by dipshit

Some of those attachable plastic covers discolour and become less opaque overtime. They can get bad enough to fail a wof. If this is the case then lose it and don't worry about replacing it.

My attachable cover does not appear to be discoloured. I just prefer the look of the bike without it.

But if replacing a headlight is going to cost $1000+, then it is staying on. Think I will find out the cost of a replacement light.

**AllanB** · 19th December 2009, 17:06

A stone killed one of the headlights on my GS1200ss when I had it. $220 or something stupid new for a little light! Lucky for me I picked up the pair and the holder for $60 off a wrecker

SuperCheap stick on protectors went on and are also on my Hornet from day dot.

I know the velcro ones you speak off - they do look a bit naff. Go the stick on.