Tail light replacement help please - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

Nubeaddict · 01-29-2012, 09:39 AM

My tail light a yr ago was not working, though brake light was. Took globe out and bent little metal piece that touches globes in a bit and for almost a yr been fine. Now since dropping her a week ago I had same problem and the same fix only lasts 24-48hrs. Anyone know part number of replacing the bit or a way I might fix it for more than a day or two?

Vintagerider · 01-29-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nubeaddict

My tail light a yr ago was not working, though brake light was. Took globe out and bent little metal piece that touches globes in a bit and for almost a yr been fine. Now since dropping her a week ago I had same problem and the same fix only lasts 24-48hrs. Anyone know part number of replacing the bit or a way I might fix it for more than a day or two?

Have you replaced the 'globe'?

tripod · 01-29-2012, 01:02 PM

Nubeaddict, you are driving me crazy, edit your signature and put in year and model of bike so it shows up in every post.

I don't have the time to keep looking back for a prior post of yours to tell me what bike you have.

What is a globe? the bulb? Otherwise I have no idea what you are talking about.

Nubeaddict · 01-30-2012, 07:29 AM

If it is called a bulb then thanks, I will stop calling it a globe. (the round glass piece that lights up). In lamps and on ceilings called globe so figured that's the name. I use iPhone app to access here. Went to actual site n edited signature to say m600 96'. if more required let me know. As name suggests nube to this site n to motorbikes n any mechanical stuff. Use to love freedom of riding cars but never cared about learning much about them or addicted until march 2011 when got the bike. Am trying to learn everything at once, can't get enough but trying to be humble here as much as possible too. Haven't replaced bulb/globe as it works with brakes and when I bend little metal piece towards it. Just now few hrs later that fix stops working. Ordered today for 46 bucks (oz dollar similar to usa one ATM) new parts. Includes more than I need but cover only has one screw as past owner must of screwed in one screw too tight n cracked it so I don't mind getting bit extra and apparently i didn't have a choice. Should get it tomo or next day. Rode home tonight in rain lightly holding brake so light was on so police don't stop me n I didn't get hit from behind. Not ideal but ride the bike as solo ride the last several months so couldn't exactly garage it while I wait. Do appreciate help n learning from u n others here. That, net surfing, magazines, n riding mainly only places I have learnt from so far. Couple of ride days through twisties with small groups really progressed the riding

tripod · 01-30-2012, 07:17 PM

the bulb is probably an 1157, it has two contacts on the bottom, one for brake, one for running. Also, look at the brass part, there are 2 nubs, onle lower than the other. In theory, you can't install a bulb incorrectly, but if you do, it is posible that only 1 side will work.

I don't know how to say this kindly, but if a tail light bulb replacement is beyond you, stop working on your bike.

Nubeaddict · 01-31-2012, 05:10 AM

It's not beyond me. I was awaiting the part. The bulb is fine. Woul replace it if it wasnt. As I described just the little metal part bent away from touching. Almost a year ago when has bike bent it back n it worked fine. Now when I bend it, it works fine but not for long as too thin and old. 16 yrs old actually. Just wanted a fix for few days awaiting it. I agree I'm not great at working on bike. As said above never worked on or cared about mechanics till I got the bike. But if I don't work on it, learn, even from mistakes then I would never learn anything. Everyone has to start somewhere and I'm starting now. I earn very well n can afford the mistakes if I make them. Guessing you and everyone else started somewhere. Even if it was ur dad or a mate showing u something. I'm actually havin no probs on alot of maintenance tasks n fixes so far n don't need to post here when it all goes smooth.

caferacermike · 01-31-2012, 08:26 AM

Nube you are referring to the horrible little spring contacts within the tail light. By "globe" you are are referring to the tail light lens. Nothing wrong with that. Different cultures, languages, different sayings and words. The British have their own sayings as well such as "boot" for trunk, "bonnet" for hood, "tyre" for tire, and "Lucas" for darkness.

Those springs are crap and haven't changed a bit from the ones on the 1950's Vespas I hate working on for the same reason. I swear I can mess with a person's tail light for twenty minutes, get it working correctly, and 20 minutes later the light will be out again. Bend the spring and it works for awhile.

There are 3 things you could consider,

1. Buy a new tail light. My understanding is that here in the States it is cheaper to order them from Harley Davidson as they used the same unit on some of the Buells, only difference is that the lens (globe) has a clear panel on the bottom to legally light up the license plate. These are really handy when doing a tail chop as you can ditch the little Ducati license plate lamp. I paid $45 US for mine.

2. You can drill out the lamp holder and install an aftermarket unit. I've done it a few times and it isn't an easy process, however it can work. My local auto parts store sells these generic 1157 bulb holders that have wires and a spring under them that push them onto the bulb. A much better version. Basically I drill out the original bulb holder and slide in the new style with some epoxy to hold it in place, then connect the wires.

3. Buy an aftermarket LED tail light set up for about $100 and it should last several years without any maintenance. http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/TLDMO...al/TLDMON.html

Nubeaddict · 01-31-2012, 02:56 PM

Agh caferacermike that was exactly what I was referring to. Plus ur spot on with the language n culture difference. Every word u said British have is same in oz except not Lucas. Also we call flip flops or your feet thongs which had a USA person here confused I wore g strings on my feet the other day. So I pick up the ducati replacement today as already ordered from parts guy that get me stuff but if still problems in future will definitely buy one of the 2 options above. Great info. I thought was just coz mine was old, hope the part works today for a decent amount of time

Nubeaddict · 02-01-2012, 09:59 AM

So finally ducati full tail light came in today. Almost identical to old one. It was very easy to install when got home. Luckily had socket set n allen keys. The old one was really beaten up after 16yrs unless it's been replaced before but main thing is its all working. Yey. No cops stopping me or being hit at night from behind. No more riding while simultaneously touching brake. If future problems will get the aftermarket as suggested.