I almost bought the TrailTech lights and have been reading this forum. I've seen a ton of people who have had leak issues. Most say that TrailTech customer service is great, so I'm surprised to hear that a set of leaky lights were not going to be replaced or fixed without further cost. I'm still on the edge on my decision making. I really like the simplicity of these lights, but what does that mean if I have to replace them every time it rains? Are there any people on ADVrider who have either the TrailTech lights or the PIAA Cross Country lights, who ride them in the rain often without problems? Shouldn't these things be able to be totally submerged without issues? I've got HID lights for scuba diving that I've had to 400feet with absolutely no issues. Why don't they just put an o-ring in these things? I'd love to hear from people. Aloha, Charlie
Just an update here on my personal Trailtech saga (see above). The company did indeed send me a replacement bulb free of charge, after I told them my whiny tale of woe. I used dielectric silicone grease on all the o-rings and connections, and even on the threads of the light bezel. These bad boys ought to be waterproof now, although I'm sure I've ruined my warranty by opening them up and trying to seal them. I won't know the outcome right away, because while I was waiting on that bulb I installed a set of PIAA 510 spots (110 watts!) for my trip to Daytona. I love them... not quite as bright as the HID's but user friendly and throw a ton of useable light out there. I've wired everything with quick-connect terminals so I plan to switch back and forth between light sets and figure out which one gets to live on the GS. Let me be clear - Trailtech has excellent customer service. I'm just not sure if I want to go the easily fixable/reliable route or the high-tech/special order route with such a rugged bike. Time will tell.
Hard to say Diablo. The install went well, and they have been reliable. I don't have any other point of reference. They are and do exactly what I had in mind when I bought them so I am not dissappointed in the purchase.
Anybody tried these? http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WA&Product_Code=8600482&Category_Code=F800GS-E
Lost both lights within 6 hours of each other on Sunday ride. Not raining. Shipped them off to TT yesterday afternoon but bummed. Spoke with Dave Petersen at BestRest and seems like failed ballast. You could see the lights trying to fire up but it was faint flicker then nothing. No rain during my ride - they had been in the rain a few weeks prior but seemingly without issue. Mounting was light up and post down on EZyMount. I did have 'white oxidation' on the inside of the lens after first installing them (never went away) but it didn't seem to impact performance (which is superlative when they are on.) Also - had some fading of powder coat turning hem bronze in color. Took a pick before crating will try to post later. Need to tape / zip up wiring now prior to commute - disappointed to cut them off the bike yesterday.
is there any practical purpose for having those extra lights other than have something to do and whine about ?
plus, the brain instinctively pays attention to things that are different. We are used to seeing a car headlight pattern and a single light for a bike. With aux lights on, drivers will, by reflex, notice you more because of the different light pattern.
Family just came back from a 4K trip across the US and one of Mulewife's TrailTech lights crapped out. (with no more than 10 hours of use) As stated above, both started to turn "bronzish". Spoke with TT and they said the anodizing on the first lights were defective. She sent both back for replacement. I was assured by TT that the anodzing will not turn on the new lights. We'll see. So far, not terribly impressed by the TT lights.
You can see the white oxidation on the lamp lens and the 'bronzing' two tone - hmmm. Shipped ground - should get to TT next Monday - will update.
I've had the Trail Tech SCMR16 HID on my 1200 for a few months now. I'm happy with the light output but I noticed that both lights have some smoke residue behind the lens. They look foggy but its definitely smoke residue. I'm thinking of cleaning the inside of the lenses. My question is does the bezel simply unscrew off? I tried to unscrew them but they didn't budge and I didn't want to break them. Thanks Mine are mounted sideways, no problems with heavy rain so far just this smoke residue.
I had the same situation with the white haze. You should be able to see in pic above your post. When talking with Dave Petersen at BestRest he described it as oxidation and indicated it may be a symptom of a bad bulb. I would contact TrailTech for their opinion and 'how to' clean.
Thanks For some reason I can't see your photo but it sounds exactly like mine. I just came in from the garage an in fact the bezels do simply unscrew off, they were on pretty tight. Unfortunately there is no way to simply clean the haze on the lens. The front lens is part of the bulb and they are sealed. Looks like I'll have to contact TT for replacements.
I have the Trail Techs on my 1200 but the setup looks identical to the F8GS pics on Dave Petersons site. Bought the lights/ lightbar from him. No affiliation just a great system that looks very stock. I must take some pictures...
I would say to stay away from these. They sell a very similar setup for the 1200GS which I made the mistake of buying. The lights are cheap, cheap, cheap. I saw the same identical lights without the brackets of course at Walmart for $15 a pair!
I run the VisonX set up on the Scrambler and could not be happier. These are LED so draw only 10w and .75amp so no relay needed. They really light up the roadside, the trees and the road for great distance as well. Only downside is that they are way too bright for use as day-time running lights so they are hard wired to the high beam wire coming off the main headlight globe.