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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | Well, it's at a dealer right now getting checked out, and I bought the bike less than two months ago and it only has 1500 miles on it so I'm PRETTY sure Victory's gonna foot the bill for this one.
In case you're wondering, this is how it was dropped off at the dealer...(I had trailered it to VA and so it was still on the trailer...)
Wierd thing is that this dealer has apparantly ordered warrantied parts and then had the customer NOT come back to them to get it replaced. Why they wouldn't come back when it's a free repair I have no idea, but they've ended up with parts they can't sell and taking up room on the shelf. So instead of allowing me to find out what's wrong, order the parts, and then come back to get it installed, they want me to leave the bike from the day of diagnosis until the parts come in and get installed. Nope. Wasn't going to happen. So the best I could get was I would PAY for the parts when they order them from Victory. After the parts come in, set up an appointment to get them installed, and then I would get a refund on those parts the day they install them to my bike. Well, we'll see what's wrong with the bike and what needs to be fixed in a few hours when I go back to service to find out. Alexi
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | ...I know the feeling. Keep us posted.
[everybody, listen to me, and return me, my ship] |
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Tourer
Posts: 354
20 miles west of Chicago. | A common problem. I had one replaced under warranty for this, but have heard that some others were not so lucky. Had that one replaced under warranty because the reflector around the HID bulb fell off. After I got the last replacement I took some of the thick kind of super glue and using my finger, ran it over the top edge of the headlight where the little cracks which admit the water appear in the hope that this would seal/prevent any cracking. So far so good. Last year I started getting water inside the turn signal lenses when it rained. Not sure how it gets in, but Vic declined any warranty service.
Edited by Mudge 2011-01-26 2:32 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | I have that problem on my wife's Vision. And guess what - it is NOT covered by the extended warranty. They claimed the headlight is a "wear item"
So the next time it fills with water I am going to turn the lights on and then force them to repair it.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | Water never sleeps and I can tell you from experience in aviation, it gets into the darnedest places caused by slipstream pressure. Carefully examine the bottom point of your headlamp housing for the lowest point. A trip to your local tool supply store will net you a #40 drill bit (.098 dia) about 6 inches long, using tape or a drillstop on the bit will limit how deeply you drill, put a drain hole in an inconspicuous place in the left hand or 'down when parked side' of the housing so any waterblasted in by wind pressure and heavy rains will let it drain out when you stop. If the drain hole gets plugged up a paperclip will clear the drain hole in seconds. You could get clever and put a short piece of cheap ball point pen ink tube in the hole cut @ an angle to keep the rain from ramming in the hole, a dab of 5 minute epoxy and 'VIOLA!' |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Concur with water never sleeps, but if I started to get water in my headlight assembly I'd have to look for a big crack somewhere or seperation. 3 1/2 years of ownership, sits outside in all types of weather to include torrential downpours, ride in all types of weather to include torrential downpours, I do not even have moisture in there, well none that is visible to the nekked eye.
I'm bothered by the "no warranty coverage" as this is not the bulbs, and if you're on the first year warranty it should be replaced, IMHO. Now, I'm not Polaris, nor do I work for them in anyway shape or form except in sublimal advertising as I trek around, so I can't speak for them. This is a defect in workmanship of the machine, not a bulb burning out. Even in the extended warranty I would question this as as it is pointed out, let me get a bucket of water in there, turn my headlights on, and then fry the electical and see what happens then. But as my home owner insurance folk told me, squirrels could gnaw the roof off and they will not cover that damage at all, but when it rains and ruins the interior they will cover that damage, go figure. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Cap'n, I was in the same situation as you. Reading all of the headlight bucket woes and being thankful that although I live in the Seattle area and store by bike outside - as well as ride in the rain rather frequently - my bucket was dry and clear.
Until about a month ago. Now the inside is fogging something fierce as it stands overnight. And Victory refuses to replace it under extended warranty. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Having just dealt with the extended warranty on the header pipe, the answer from the good folks who minds the money says it must be mechanical. I guess the bad thing is it wasn't caught during the first year warranty where it would have been covered. I'll have to keep a watch out for mine, but the point I forgot to make is that instead of drilling a drain hole is to pull the assembly and repair the item. It might not be pretty, but it shouldn't leak.
It's about time to find a second hand Vision part source, or pay top dollar for the bucket, ouch, how much is a new one? Anyone? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| A little suggestion for you guys who have the leaking headlite and Victory doesn't want to replace it free. Vic actually developed a NEW headlite assy which was released in early 2010 to address the CRACKS that come from the factory and seams that open on ALL Visions prior to this release. In other words it is a KNOWN defect on a SAFETY related item on the bike. So my advice is that you ASSIST your dealer in twisting Victorys arm in replacing your headlite, OR you will be forced to contact the NHTSA and create a mandatory safety recall which will force Vic to recall and replace EVERY Vision manufactured with the OLD headlite assy.
Had the ole sorry bud but your factory warranty is over and the extended won't cover it excuse. Mind you my headlite assy had been replaced 4 times previous for the same exact problems, the 4th one only 30 days prior to needing a 5th. After suggesting I'd need to take steps to initiate a safety recall, they agreed to provide the headlite but I'd need to pay for the install. I suggested that safety recall would be initiated in the very near future and poof the new headlite arrived and was insalled at no charge to me.
Have your parts guy look up the NEW headlite assy part number before beating them up, you need to sound like you know your stuff. Oh and this advice holds true for the KNOWN bad radio's, and fuel filler neck w/cap that were stamped out too thin. Hope this helps......
For the record guys, Victory isn't any harder to deal with than any other manufacturer, in many instances they are really good to work with and are not aware there is an issue until you raise hell. You have a great bike, with minor hiccups...... work it out.
T |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | Teach - 2011-01-27 7:17 PM
Vic actually developed a NEW headlite assy which was released in early 2010 to address the CRACKS that come from the factory and seams that open on ALL Visions prior to this release....Have your parts guy look up the NEW headlite assy part number before beating them up, you need to sound like you know your stuff. Oh and this advice holds true for the KNOWN bad radio's, and fuel filler neck w/cap that were stamped out too thin. Hope this helps......
TWhen I went to the dealer, he looked up the part and remarked with an "aha" that the part number has changed, and he mentioned that usually that means that something was wrong, and they fixed it, and now have a FIXED part out....
So he ordered the part and will be keeping my old one when it comes in to turn in to Victory or whatever dealers do with the old parts to get paid for the warranty work.
Alexi |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | are you on the first warranty? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| sfalexi, yep all the older headlite assy's came with a small fatory crack in the lense and they developed additional hairline cracks, and of course you know about the seam opening which allowed water in. Evidently the mold tolerances were too tight from what Vic passed on and they are using a different heat or process on the seams which seem to be more reliable. You should be in good shape once the new part arrives. I should mention some folks who have the earlier bikes haven't had any headlite issues they feel need addressed, so as to not start a debate, lol..... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 215
Boydsville, AR United States | My 08 headlight was just replaced under warenty. The dealer told me it needs to be a headlight assembly, or part number on the claim. If they just say headlight, they think bulb, and that is a consumable item, like say a windsheild wiper on a car, and not covered. I had no issues with mine, but the reflector fell off inside, and I think I saw the begining of some fog on the top. Soo all is good now. I was amaized at how many little pits were on the old one, after it was replaced, it was noticeable that the new one was realy clear. Remember assembly, or part number. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Thanks Teach and wseermann. Looks like I'll get it replaced after all. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | breaker, are you on the 1st or extended warranty? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | On the extended Cap'n. I got my Vision (finally) in early April 2008.
Dang, remember when those bikes were trickling in to the dealers? 
I'm going to stop by my dealer today or tomorrow. I'll post the results.
Edited by Breaker 2011-02-02 12:36 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Yes, at the time I purchased mine, it was only the third one at the dealer. The first one was a demo a few months before. The next one was already spoken for, and mine was a special order that someone turned down, much to my pleasure.
I'm still under extended warranty and I wonder if it was worded right for when I asked for warranty claim for my split pipe would I get my claimed filed. I'm trying to connect a leaky headlight housing and a busted header pipe. But I was told no exhaust is covered. Therefore I spent two days down and $10 to get it welded.
The leaky headlight housing makes perfect sense as it will affect how the bike runs if it blows out the electrical. |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | Problem solved!
Just stopped by the dealer, they had ordered the part a week ago and it was in. In and out in a little over an hour after dropping it off. And I had bought a heel-toe shifter there about two weeks ago and never got around to installing it and they did a little extra and put that on there for me too since they were working on the bike anyway!
Huzzah for good dealers!
FYI, my two short experiences shopping for accessories and with the warranty/service department at SUNRISE CYCLES in NORFOLK, VA has my recommendation!
Alexi |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | ^^^^^ Good for you! I had my headlight replaced in the first year with no issues. The second seems to be holding up ok after 18 months. I had a Victory Engineer call me, Mike M, and asked me a ton of questions regarding my original light, how I cleaned it, storage of the bike, etc. This was in early 2009. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | * removed because I'm not posting the image correctly *
Edited by Breaker 2011-03-09 9:40 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Little wet in there.
But, I'm getting it replaced under warranty so . . . yay!
Edited by Breaker 2011-03-09 10:54 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | Does anyone know where the crack(s) usually are on the headlight for water to come in? If no warranty will cover it, can we plug the hole? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | The cracks usually start at the top of the assembly in the middle. Kind of at the bottom of the'v' shape if that makes any sense. But I also noticed them spreading along that top seam.
If you have a 2008, and have the cracks (just as Teach said we all would) I would push hard for a replacement --- warranty or not. Victory knows this is a problem.
I'm not sure if the later models have the same issue. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
| Had my 08 in for this problem and was told that it was cosmetic by the warrenty company, denied claim. Next step is to try to contact Victory . |
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Visionary
Posts: 1228
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Nice to know that headlamps are cosmetic. Should have gone for the 24hr/day coverage. Or maybe they gave you the NASCAR coverage. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | pcaffrey,
I don't believe that they went through my warranty company. They went directly to Vic.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| Just noticed a crack in my 2011 Vision headlight. Seems to initiate from the righthand (when viewed from the front), "mould mark". Have taken it to the dealer (Arlen Ness, Las Vegas), initial response was "its looks like a stone chip", however, there is no sign of an impact mark so they have taken photo's and are contacting Victory. Checked out the other Visions in the showroom, (2008-2011), all have the "mould marks" about 3 inches either side and on the top of the center of the headlight, look like small chips. Oh, by the way, bike has done 1192 miles (picked it up 3 weeks ago). Will let you guys know what happens. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| Had a reply from Victory via Arlen Ness, headlight will be repaired under warranty, so happy days. Just waiting for the call back to say the lights at the dealers. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Good for you Steve! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
West Knoxville TN | Great |
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Cruiser
Posts: 215
Boydsville, AR United States | +1 |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| Bikes been into Arlen Ness, headlight assembly replaced and all looks good now. Just purchased a "clear headlight guard" from Cee Baileys Aircraft Plastics. OK $79 inc P&P might be a bit excessive for a piece of plastic, but its a darn sight cheaper than a new headlight!! and you can only see it when it s parked. Attaches with 5 "3M Dual Locs" so easily removed for cleaning etc.
Keep em shiny side up!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Eau Claire WIS. 09 vision | anyone else notice small cracks in the middel of the light right in front of the bulbs. i have small spider cracks in front of both bulbs...dave |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | I didn't see that on mine Dave. The cracks were at the very top.
Are you running stock bulbs? I think I remember someone on the board having that issue, but they were running high-intensity bulbs. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Eau Claire WIS. 09 vision | yes just stock bulbs i'll have to ck with dealer if it ever stops raining and stays above 50 for more than one day.lol... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 232
| My headlamp is doing the same thing called the dealer he says to bring it over and they would take picture then have to see what victory will do. It's
about 23degrees here and snow on the ground dealer is 60 miles away.The bike was bought in aug. 2011 have 8k on it got the 5yr warrenty when purchased. Hope it's better than harley or goldwing warrenty.
The headlamp does dry up then it does it again but leaves a dirty film on the inside. I'm afraid that it will not be wet when get to dealer for them to take picture to send in.I took picture of the issue dealer says that wont do,that he has to take the pictures.
Edited by TRELL 2012-01-02 3:53 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 156
Bluff Park, Alabama - God's Country! 2011 PW VV | TRELL - ...I'm afraid that it will not be wet when get to dealer for them to take picture to send in.I took picture of the issue dealer says that wont do,that he has to take the pictures. Then make your dealer come to your house and take the picture!! 
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | i thought i remembered reading someone drilled a tiny hole in the bottom somewhere on the headlight to "drain" the water.. if possible |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | Falone Powesports in Indianapolis came to my house and picked my bike up on a cold day for warrenty work. It's almost an hour drive. That is customer service. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | Oh there is something wrong with some of these headlights...out of 12 months of riding and about 13K miles..this is my 3 headlight crack.
and they all crack at the same place..upper right corner at the mounting bracket. when standing in front of bike.
It's a safety issue....water get into headlight..and sits in the HYD part of the headlight and stays there...you are on the road at night , passing a car on a up hill climb , the water that is in the HYD starts to go into your Hyd connector. Well electricity and water don't mix...either the lights go out or the bike stall.
Surely you will have a power surge...and the on board computer will not like. Just hope there not an on coming car or truck.
There should be a re-call on this before somebody get hurt.
In the meantime Victory is changing the headlights on warranty, for how long i don't know....but they are not trying to find the cause of the trouble or they just do not want to open this can of worm !!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | To get the water out of the headlight , you have to bring the frontend up and back the rubber boot off the HYD light . You will not get it all out but a good part of it.. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 232
| Would it be okay to show the dealer this thread? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | GOOD LUCK...i even try customer service ....at Vic. Polaris ...and the girl at the other end give me a song and dance....that this was not a safety issue nor a re-call...And the sad thing abaout this is that i don't thing this person knows the difference between a motorcycle and snowmachine or a 4wheeler..I could tell she was reading of a scrip...THAT"S SAD |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | I really thought Victory had fixed this in the past years as there has been a quiet period about this for a while now. I know I had an assembly replaced on my 2008 under warranty. A few months later I had Mike Manthower (spelling) from Victory Engineering call me and ask a ton of questions about how I cleaned, stored and rode the bike. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | Well i'm on my 3rd crack headlight in 12 months of biking , 13,000 miles and all they are doing is changing the damn light and not looking at finding the problem..Scorebo you are a lucky man to have the engineer call ya in 2008. My bike is a 2010 . You would think after two years the Engineering would of found the problem..I love to ride this bike but i will not cought up 3 headlight every 12 months of riding,,,,Sorry Guys i'm piss over this issue.. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Mekes one want to consider fabricating a different headlight assembly and installing it. Tough to do though; in keeping within the unique styling of the Vision's appearance....
I have some small "chips" as well in the middle top edge of the headlight housing; immediately adjacent to the top cowl cover. Also have a slight (very faint) crack after the third right side mold mark. Am watching it. Be nice if there was a substance that we could seal the top of the headlight housing with; to waterproof and prevent further cracking. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| As I have read all the above post I was thinking that maybe the aluminum bracket that the light is bolted to is not flat. So if the right corner is back say a 32 of a inch then its putting stress on that corner.
You that have replace the light more then once ask your dealer to lay a straight edge across the mounts to see if there all square of flay.
I take the bike all a part when the bulbs die on me and that is something I will check. But there good for now. |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | TRELL - 2012-01-02 4:39 PM
My headlamp is doing the same thing called the dealer he says to bring it over and they would take picture then have to see what victory will do. It's
about 23degrees here and snow on the ground dealer is 60 miles away.The bike was bought in aug. 2011 have 8k on it got the 5yr warrenty when purchased. Hope it's better than harley or goldwing warrenty.
The headlamp does dry up then it does it again but leaves a dirty film on the inside. I'm afraid that it will not be wet when get to dealer for them to take picture to send in.I took picture of the issue dealer says that wont do,that he has to take the pictures.
TRELL - the dealer should have a hose you can spray the bike with.
You can definitely show the dealer this thread. In fact tell him to sign up. We tend to hear of mods and fixes well before dealers get it from Victory. |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Can someone post a photo of a crack in the lens. Don't think I've ever seen one. It'll give us all something to look for. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Jedi Jeff - 2012-01-13 11:15 AM
Can someone post a photo of a crack in the lens. Don't think I've ever seen one. It'll give us all something to look for.
Jeff, look back at the first page. I have a pic of the water in my headlight. All of that moisture is on the inside of the bucket. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 156
Bluff Park, Alabama - God's Country! 2011 PW VV | Breaker, I get access denied.. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/photos/get-photo.asp?photoid=5374
These crack are at the same place as the mounting bracket of the upper right side when you are facing the bike.
All 3 headlights had crack at same spot.
This is how its start , cracks keep going down as you ride because of vibration and water start seeping in..
Edited by Lojak 2012-01-15 1:48 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1228
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Alas, I too now have water in the headlight. Even here in Sunny SoCal, it can happen. I noticed it after a 2 hr ride in moderate shower. I cannot see ANY cracks in the lens anywhere. I do have my front/front fender off right now because my tire is too big, so maybe the water got forced in from below.
My dealer took a hot pin and poked a hole into the bottom of the lens and drained the water out. I am debating on whether to leave it open to always drain, or put a small peice of clear tape over it and drain as needed. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Nozzledog - 2012-02-27 5:35 PM Alas, I too now have water in the headlight. Even here in Sunny SoCal, it can happen. I noticed it after a 2 hr ride in moderate shower. I cannot see ANY cracks in the lens anywhere. I do have my front/front fender off right now because my tire is too big, so maybe the water got forced in from below. My dealer took a hot pin and poked a hole into the bottom of the lens and drained the water out. I am debating on whether to leave it open to always drain, or put a small peice of clear tape over it and drain as needed. Ride the bike for some good distance so the light get really hot then stick a good dab of silicon over the hole and let it dry. If the moister comes back you can pick the silicon off with your finger nail. My money is you have a leak.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45
Ventura County, CA | I took my 08' to the dealer the other day with this issue. They were told by Victory that the 08' was actually the strongest housing made. They suggested that I use clear silicone and the top of the light where it is already sealed. We were unable to find any cracks and Victory will not replace the housing. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
, QC Canada | Hi there, next week, they will replace the 3rd headlight assembly , here, in Quebec, on my. 2013, purchased in july 2014 VV. they crack at the same place , right top fron front of the bike, and the crack keep running left and down. Any news about this issue as the dealer does not seem to know nothing about this. My warranty finish in july 2015
Thanks
Edited by Lomcevak 2015-05-20 6:56 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | gotta love how they told you the 08 was the strongest housing made... lol like they actually know.. lol !!! gotta love these dealers some times... another way to put it might be... we dont want to mess with it.. so just put some rtv on it and call it the day... |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Lomcevak
I wonder if all 4 rubber grommets are in place. I wonder if the headlight mount is bolted to the frame properly. If its loose that could cause the crack or if its crooked
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