Hi guys,

Looking for any insights into what might be signs of a pending issue.

The bike is a 2008 FXDF

I noted this morning on my ride into work that the headlights would sort of pulsate - from shining at normal brightness to dimming (as if I'm loosing power) and then back to normal brightness again.

As a test, I left the bike running for a while once I arrived at the office this morning - appears to only be doing when I'm riding.

Any clues/suggestions? Anything that I might be able to test?

Thank you
Jack

 

Since it only happens when you're riding, it sounds like a loose/bad wiring connection that is getting bounced around. I would look at the battery and ground cables, the headlight connection inside the bucket, the bulb itself, and trace the wiring from that back to the switch. Could be a dirty or loose contact inside the switch housing.
Check the headlight fuse to make sure it's clean and for continuity.

 

Thanks nevil,

It definitely needs further investigation.

One thing I did notice, and failed to mention previously, is that the 'pulse' was/is very rhythmic - to a point of predictability (seemed like it was happening in cycles, every 10-15 seconds) - and didn't seem to be impacted either way based on the condition of the road (bumps and so forth).

Appreciate the feedback

Cheers,
Jack