BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Just got back from a lovely loop of Sonora/Monitor/Ebbetts passes in the Sierras last night and was downstairs putzing around with my bike when I noticed this:



Damnit! Seems the low beam isn't working either. So I need a new bulb and a lens. I haven't torn it apart yet but if I recall from last time I had it out, the lens is part of what's being called the "headlight insert" on the fiche. Not cheap - $150-$170. Urg. Anyone have a spare lying around?

I know there are a couple threads on headlight guards - seems like the only two options in the US are the Aeroflow and Cee Bailey guards. These both look like basically the same thing - any real differences? The CB piece is way cheaper. For those of you that run these guards, do the little Dual Lock thingies affect the light from the headlight?

I have the Aeroflow. It works well, looks good, and stays in place, but had the CB been available when I did my shopping I would have rather saved some money. I have not seen the CB part in person though. The 3M velcro things don't affect the light. I can't see their shadow on a garage wall.

I've been using the CB for about a month now. I'm pleased. No noticeable light loss. What's cool is, the lens is not evenly concave, it actually curves like the headlight shape. However, there are no guides or hints to mounting it so you have to look at it close and do your best guess. But after buying a headlight insert, I recommend EVERYONE buy one of these Cee Baileys units. Or something.

I, too, picked up the CB headlight guard (like others I had noticed the price difference).

It doesn't affect illumination from the headlight. It works well and is a lot cheaper than a new lens or headlight.

Thanks y'all. I ordered the CB guard this morning. I also found some references here and there to cracked lenses being covered under warranty. It kind of looks like it might be 2007 only, but I took a further look at my lens this morning and there's zero evidence of impact on the outside of the lense - no divots or damage to the outside surface. So I'm going to talk to my dealer tomorrow and see if there's a possible warranty placement and order one if not.

Does any one know if either headlight guard will work with a parabellum scout fairing ?

I purchased a Cee Bailey shield after my headlight cracked. Too late! It works well but the 3M stickers are tacky (not sticky, ugly) in my opinion. I recall maybe 3M or some other company that had a thick film that you could stick over the headlight to protect it. It was not very noticeable.

bmwk100 wrote:I purchased a Cee Bailey shield after my headlight cracked. Too late! It works well but the 3M stickers are tacky (not sticky, ugly) in my opinion. I recall maybe 3M or some other company that had a thick film that you could stick over the headlight to protect it. It was not very noticeable.

I've seen folks mention that, but they've also said it's really tough to get right on the R1200R because of the odd shape of the lens. I was already thinking about alternate mounting methods to lose those dots. I guess I'll see what it looks like when I get it.

Incidentally, I also ordered the CB Sport Shield so I can join the windshield arguments, err... discussions.

SF_Hooligan wrote:Incidentally, I also ordered the CB Sport Shield so I can join the windshield arguments, err... discussions.

Hilarious!

Yes, by all means, please join the... uh... discussion.

Be well armed... I mean... prepared for the debate.

Jump into the fray of political discussions if you need to warm up gently.

My 2007 has been cracked for a while; I think BMW won't cover as it's way old; but I still think it's a defect and was covered by BMW at some point? Anyone got good info?

SDMAX wrote:My 2007 has been cracked for a while; I think BMW won't cover as it's way old; but I still think it's a defect and was covered by BMW at some point? Anyone got good info?

I stopped in at the dealer today and they didn't really seem too interested in entertaining the idea that it might be a defect. After we cleaned it up and it became clear that there's absolutely no chipping or obvious point of impact, they "emailed someone." There are separate cracks that aren't even connected!

I supposed it could totally be an impact that caused this weird break, but it seems unlikely from the way it looks. Nevertheless, I ordered a new headlight insert ($190 with tax!) and am preparing myself for them saying "sorry, you're stuck paying for this." If I hadn't run across the mentions of the SIB I would have just assumed it got busted by a rock or something and replaced it without looking too close.

I wanted to update on what the dealer said. Just got an email - no luck. About what I expected - I figured the SIB thing was a longshot.

"I have received a response from my Field Service Engineer and he stated that there is no recalls or SIB bulletin regarding the headlight. If you don’t mind me asking does your insurance cover the bike fully including road hazards?"

Oh well. I already ordered it from the dealer and the CB headlight guard is on the way. I still maintain that there's no impact point/chip/evidence of anything striking the lens, but not much to be done about it at this point. Just in case, I'll save my ruckus-raising for a real (more expensive) problem down the road.