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Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan

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24 Nov 2021 05:40 #858283 by Move0ver
Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan was created by Move0ver
So over the past 10 years of owning my Z1, I've had to replace a burned out tail light bulb 5 or 6 times.
This is both with the original wiring, and a new wiring harness, as well as an aftermarket housing and the stock Z1 light housing.

The fact that it's the first light to burn out makes sense given that it's the one that's on all the time, but still I think 5 times in 10k-15k miles is excessive.

Is this something anyone else is experiencing?

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  • Scirocco
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24 Nov 2021 05:55 #858284 by Scirocco
Replied by Scirocco on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
In most cases the light bulb didn´t burned out. The intensive vibrations, like a loose light bulb socket, can break the light bulb filament really quick.

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24 Nov 2021 06:18 - 24 Nov 2021 06:19 #858285 by Move0ver
Replied by Move0ver on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
Oh I definitely agree.
After the third time or so of it happening, I looked into LED bulbs, but the general consensus I found was that those were even less durable than the standard ones. That was a few years ago however.

I know Webike sells some pretty nice LED panels that fit inside the standard Z1 lens.  I'll probably look into that.

It doesn't help that most of my riding is at 75-85mph just to keep up with traffic  (texas... the one star state.... it's like mad max here).
Last edit: 24 Nov 2021 06:19 by Move0ver.

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24 Nov 2021 08:42 #858288 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
For sure something is wrong. I've owned my 1977 KZ650-C1 since it was new (44 years / more than 62,000 miles) and it still has the original bulb that works fine.  Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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24 Nov 2021 08:47 #858289 by Warren3200gt
Replied by Warren3200gt on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
Vibration is the problem. It'll kill bulbs quicker than a quick thing. Make sure all the rear fender and light bracket bolts are tight and the rubber dampers are in place and still er,.... Rubber rather than solid/split blocks of old rock solid ex rubber. 


Z1000J2 somewhat modified!

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24 Nov 2021 09:52 #858291 by cb900f
Replied by cb900f on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
The quality of bulbs produced today probably has something to do with it.

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24 Nov 2021 12:27 #858294 by F64
Replied by F64 on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
I would look into the led panel. More for the instant on benefit.

I initially tried a Philips led bulb and that didn't work. You need a well-designed and polished reflector to match the output of a bulb with older taillights. The led was much dimmer compared to the bulb. This was 4 years ago though. 

You may be pushing a higher voltage through the incandescents causing them to die faster.

 

81-KZ440-D2.
Louis Dudzik's GM HEI ignitor conversion installed 2015 s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/Ignition/GPZgmHEImod.html
Motogadget m-unit blue installed 2017.
LIC, NY

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24 Nov 2021 12:37 #858295 by Move0ver
Replied by Move0ver on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
Yea, I'll likely get this:

japan.webike.net/products/19873418.html

I just need to see if I'll need a resistor to keep the brake light failure indicator from turning on in the tach.

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  • hardrockminer
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24 Nov 2021 12:37 #858296 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
Almost all of the bulbs on my Z1B are original...including the tail light.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.

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24 Nov 2021 15:54 #858300 by Mikaw
Replied by Mikaw on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
I upgraded to all LED’s on my ‘78. I had to leave the brake light dash light as incandescent to get everything to work. if I tried to install an LED in its place the brake light failure relay would make the dash bulb glow dimly. I upgraded to LED flasher units and everything works sweet. Does the Z1 have the brake light failure relay?

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

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  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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25 Nov 2021 08:29 #858322 by slmjim+Z1BEBE
Replied by slmjim+Z1BEBE on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
Z1's were fairly notorious for overcharging.  Mama Kaw made many mods to the voltage regulators because of it.

After making sure the battery is fully charged & healthy, check the running voltage.  14.2V ~ 14.5V @ 3,000 RPM is fine.  Over 15V is not.   It could be that overvoltage is reducing bulb life.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

A biker looks at your engine and chrome.
A Rider looks at your odometer and tags.

1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
1974 Z1-A x2
1975 Z1-B x2
1993 CB 750 Nighthawk x2
2009 ST1300A

www.kawasaki-z-classik.com
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25 Nov 2021 14:10 #858329 by Move0ver
Replied by Move0ver on topic Z1 tail light-bulb lifespan
checking charging voltage is a good idea... though the wiring harness is brand new and the RR is a new PMC unit as well.

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