Cooked Headlamp Harness

[Big Blu]

This is a safety issue so Yamaha should issue a voluntary recall. If not, it is fair to register the complaint with the government.

I hear ya brother, right on. To think otherwise is just..... nah I won't say. O

Dollars, As a rule I don't ride at night, no need to unless I'm traveling, no plans to travel until next spring when I go to Tx. for a free long cold one. ::008::
If something does arise, and I feel the need to ride after dark I have other options. I'll take the R12R, the Triumph Scrambler, or the Vespa. Each is a joy to ride so no need risk a blackout. Hope you don't mind that I "error" on the side of caution.

Regard

 

[Dallara]

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Again, multiple replies to multiple posts...

All good point, Dallara, and again, if I didn't believe it were a safety issue, my opinion of this would be different.

Even in daytime riding our lights are part of the visibility of the bike. Is that a huge issue? Maybe not, but in the land of retirees (Florida) you want everything available to bring attention to you while riding.

The night riding hazards are obvious: the bike was designed with two lights, and they should both work.

Yamaha wouldn't have gone through the time and expense to redesign the harness unless they knew there were issues.
If the new harness provides better reliability of a basic safety system on the bike, I'd like it retrofitted. Mine went south at less than 10,000 miles, so I'll still be under the YES coverage when the current one goes if history is a guide. Not all Tenere owners will be so lucky, and I simply think the bike should be properly equipped for the headlamps to be reliable...

Believe me, Creggur... I understand about the retirees, etc. We've got plenty of our own down here in South Texas, and we also got endless numbers of "Snowbirds", too, not to mention a lot of folks from south of the border who have no licenses, no insurance, and no driver/traffic training of any kind. And I've been riding motorcycles in and out of 'em for over 40 years. Let's face it, it's dangerous out there anywhere on a motorcycle. It doesn't matter if it's a doctor in Porsche, an illegal immigrant in a 30-year-old pick-up, or a great grandma in a Buick... They can all get ya', day or night! ::025::

And I can see your viewpoint, but once again, let's try and keep the numbers of these *failures* in focus. It just doesn't seem to be in any way epidemic, and each and every time one has failed Yamaha has replaced it. Do we really need - or more importantly, want - government intervention?

And you mentioned you knew how these recalls, etc. work... If so then you know that no amount of reporting this kind of issue to the NHTSA will have any effect until one of these headlamp sub-harnesses actually causes an accident of some kind. I certainly don't have any problem if someone really feels compelled to report it, but I think it's important to point out that the chances of it having much, if any, effect are minimal. Just not gonna' happen...

I think if you want to see any sort of "voluntary recall" from Yamaha then it's best to contact Yamaha, and use every method available - through your dealer, via e-mail, calling their customer service phone line, etc., etc. That's far more likely to have the effect you desire IMHO.

This is a safety issue so Yamaha should issue a voluntary recall. If not, it is fair to register the complaint with the government.

Funny... At least to me... How some many folks say they want less and less "government" in our lives... That is until they want somebody else to do something for them! ::025::

Tell me, Olie - Have you contacted your dealer about the headlamp sub-harness issue? Written Yamaha an e-mail? Called Yamaha customer service? And let me also ask you this - Has your headlamp sub-harness failed?

I hear ya brother, right on. To think otherwise is just..... nah I won't say. O

Dollars, As a rule I don't ride at night, no need to unless I'm traveling, no plans to travel until next spring when I go to Tx. for a free long cold one. ::008::
If something does arise, and I feel the need to ride after dark I have other options. I'll take the R12R, the Triumph Scrambler, or the Vespa. Each is a joy to ride so no need risk a blackout. Hope you don't mind that I "error" on the side of caution.

Yep. No doubt about it, Big Blu... We need to get the "government" involved in everything about your motorcycle... You know, the same "government" that saddles riders in the USA with the most moronic vehicle lighting regulations in the world. And the same "government" that forced the manufacturers to remove three-wheel ATV's completely from the US market, and mandates all those emission regulations that cause those stumbles, hiccups, stalls, and drivability issues we all love so much. Maybe you want that same "government" that shoves ethanol-laced fuel down our throats, but I don't! ::025::

Certainly report it if you feel the need... But once again, if you really understand just how the NHTSA works then you'll understand how it won't have any effect doing what you want it to.

And if you're really, *REALLY* concerned about riding it at night then it's easy enough to *fix* the headlamp sub-harness yourself, or you can order the new-updated part-number harness. Looks like it goes for about $75 or so depending on where you buy it. That's only the cost of about one-and-a-half oil & filter changes, or half a rear tire, or about 4.5 to 5 tanks of gas - and *POOF*! Problem solved!

I dunno'... To me there are a lot more things to worry about out there on the road than my headlamp harness, and certainly more important issues our "government" currently needs to be working on than some part for my motorcycle!

Looking forward to that beer! ::003::

Dallara




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[dcstrom]

For those saying it's a safety issue... I'd agree, if both lights went out at once. I don't think there has been any cases of that has there? If one goes out it's inconvenient but unlikely to cause a crash, unless you don't adjust your riding to the new, lower, light levels.

I think Yamaha have done well to come out with the new harness, the only thing they could do better that it seems they are not, currently, is replace failed harnesses for free, in warranty or not... But we don't even know really that they won't, don't think anybody's "tested" them yet?

 

[racer1735]

For what its worth, I pulled my connectors last night and put a dab of dielectric grease on them. Connections were very tight (and still seem to be) and everything looked to be in good order under the covers. My 2012 Super Ten was purchased used, and for all I know, those were the 'new' sub-harnesses. Irregardless, I always use dielectric grease on connectors whenever they need disassembled.

 

[echo_four_romeo]

I think Yamaha have done well to come out with the new harness, the only thing they could do better that it seems they are not, currently, is replace failed harnesses for free, in warranty or not... But we don't even know really that they won't, don't think anybody's "tested" them yet?

I am actually going to test this out today after work. My dealer has known I have the "failed" headlamp harness and wanted to keep my bike for weeks until a replacement came in. I was unable to do this because I use my bike daily for commuting to work. Now that a new harness has come out I am going to see if they will review the failed harness and just order the new one and then I can come in when convenient to get it replaced.

 

[snakebitten]

I spend $75 every time I get a phone call or text from one of my kids.

They start with "Hey dad"........BAM. $75

I also have spent outrageous amounts of discretionary income on my motorcycle habit. I don't even TRY to justify it if the wife is trying to negotiate something with me. I'm dead guilty.

I'll be danged if I'm gonna let "worry" or "concern" steal one second or one ounce of joy from my one and only addiction.

So for 75 bucks I can completely extinguish the remote chance that I might have a bulb go dark?
ChaChing!

Besides, even AFTER the upgrade, you still have to be concerned that one of your bulbs can go dark just because its life cycle completes. Right?

 

[Dallara]

...Besides, even AFTER the upgrade, you still have to be concerned that one of your bulbs can go dark just because its life cycle completes. Right?

Excellent point, Snake...

Whether one has the latest, greatest, upgraded headlamp sub-harness or not a bulb can burn out at any time. Does anybody ride around frightened, anxious, or tense about that possibility, avoiding night riding because a bulb might fail?

For the most part, IMHO, the headlamp sub-harness is pretty much a non-issue from a "safety" aspect. It's certainly no more likely to fail than a bulb.

Dallara



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[creggur]

Yep, and you can carry a spare harness along and change that out in a jiffy if it dies at night...just like a light bulb.

 

[Dallara]

Yep, and you can carry a spare harness along and change that out in a jiffy if it dies at night...just like a light bulb.

Dunno' about you, but I don't carry a spare H7 headlamp bulb with me on trips. In fact, I'm still on my original factory OEM bulbs, and after over two years and over 35,000 miles I still don't feel it's necessary to carry a spare headlamp bulb...

Why? Because the bike has two headlamps, and I'm willing to gamble that both H7 bulbs won't go out simultaneously.

Same with the harness.

And speaking of the harness - I'm thinking about going ahead and buying one of the new, upgraded ones and installing it, then re-manufacturing an upgrade of my own as I originally planned to keep for a spare.

Dallara



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[Brick]

Both of my headlights went out at once on my ride from Western NC to Orlando, Fl for the AIMExpo. I had no headlights on or bright (obvious since the bright is not a different bulb but a damper. BTW: I could see the damper moving in the headlight when I turned on the bright light switch) I had running lights. I ended up riding home just on the running lights... I did this during the day so no problem.

I do NOT have burnt bulb sockets and no melted wires. So far I seem to have found the headlight relay is bad and have ordered another (should be here tomorrow?). I think even if this fixes my lights I will still order the new sub harness just to be sure it's fixed.

NOTE: After 50,000 miles I still just love this bike... the only other issues I've had are a new battery after 16 months and I just put my second set of rear brake pads. Oh yea, and it uses roughly 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart of oil between changes. I'm not complaining... this bike is my favorite of all the bikes I've owned in 44 years of riding. ::008::
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For those saying it's a safety issue... I'd agree, if both lights went out at once. I don't think there has been any cases of that has there? If one goes out it's inconvenient but unlikely to cause a crash, unless you don't adjust your riding to the new, lower, light levels.

I think Yamaha have done well to come out with the new harness, the only thing they could do better that it seems they are not, currently, is replace failed harnesses for free, in warranty or not... But we don't even know really that they won't, don't think anybody's "tested" them yet?

 

[creggur]

No, I don't carry a spare H7 - I was being a little facetious there, but I can get one at any auto parts store in the country. Not so with a wiring harness.

 

[Big Blu]

"Certainly report it if you feel the need... But once again, if you really understand just how the NHTSA works then you'll understand how it won't have any effect doing what you want it to."

Please explain enlightened one.... ::018::

All I know is they are their to protect the consumer from the danger of mfg defects. Am I wrong?

No argument from my about intrusive big brother, excessive government, ect... KIlL them all, ooops now I'm in trouble!!!

Each of us is able to asses the risk as we see it and take the action we deem appropriate, no?
Sooooooo what all the push back? :-*



Regards, Paul

 

[Dallara]

"Certainly report it if you feel the need... But once again, if you really understand just how the NHTSA works then you'll understand how it won't have any effect doing what you want it to."

Please explain enlightened one....

All I know is they are their to protect the consumer from the danger of mfg defects. Am I wrong?

No argument from my about intrusive big brother, excessive government, ect... KIlL them all, ooops now I'm in trouble!!!

Each of us is able to asses the risk as we see it and take the action we deem appropriate, no?
Sooooooo what all the push back? :-*

Nice edit of your original response, Blu...

What? Had a change of heart from the "king" and "poobah" comments?

As far as explaining the workings of the NHTSA to you... Perhaps you can learn about them the same way I did - by doing your own research. Pay particular attention to the process they go through to determine if a manufacturer needs to do any sort of "recall", particularly an every-unit-produced "safety recall". As I mentioned earlier in this thread, just see what happened when a *LOT* of BMW owners tried to get the NHTSA to mandate that BMW do a recall on final drives... Given that even here on this forum the instances of headlamp sub-harness melting down is few and far between the chances of getting the NHTSA to do anything is remote at best. And that's especially true once a manufacturer has voluntarily started producing an updated part - just like Yamaha has.

And while we're on the subject of the NHTSA... Your original reply (before your pusillanimous edit) also mentioned that complaining to them doesn't cost any of us a thing. That's simply not true. It costs all of us, and maybe more than you think. First off, the people that work for the NHTSA don't work for free, nor are their buildings, utilities, computers, desks, pens, paper clips, website, etc., etc. free. We pay for them, you and I, and the more frivolous and basically unnecessary effort we put through costs us all, as well as diverting their time from truly important issues. Sorry, but the "you've-got-a-better-chance-of-winning-the-lottery" odds that you will lose both headlamps on your Super Tenere due to the headlamp sub-harness is not something the NHTSA should be wasting any time, money, or effort on. Then there is the manufacturers themselves... Every time they have to answer an NHTSA inquiry it costs us money. After all, the staff and attorneys for Yamaha don't work for free, either, and every hourly, salaried, or billable minute spent having to answer an NHTSA inquiry that has now been rendered moot raises the price of every bike and part that Yamaha sells.

In other words, nothing is free, and making a tempest in a teapot with the NHTSA over an issue like this can only cost you and I money in the long run, all while not improving your riding "safety" one femto-whit.

But hey, as I mentioned repeatedly in this thread, if you feel the need then by all means - go for it. I never said you shouldn't. I just said I couldn't understand why anyone would want to.

And in your post prior to your extensive edit you also seemed to imply that I somehow was saying not to contact Yamaha about the problem... If you had read my responses in this thread you'd see that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I said - repeatedly - that's *EXACTLY* who you should whine, moan, and complain to if you want to see any real action. It's a lot more effective than filing a complaint with NHTSA, and it's also the way you are most likely to get yourself a brand new, updated headlamp sub-harness ASAP. If you make a big enough issue about with Yamaha customer service I'd be willing to bet you can get 'em to replace your harness right now under warranty...

In fact, I'd bet you another beer on it? ::003::


Dallara




p.s. - and I am curious... why the edit of your original response?

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[Mark R.]

"All I know is they are their to protect the consumer from the danger of mfg defects. Am I wrong?"

Yes, you are wrong. The NHTSA is a federal bureaucracy. Thus, the conclusion one can correctly draw is that they are there to make the general population think that they are relevant and important, while doing as little as possible along those lines.

The first rule of bureaucracy is "Don't get blamed for anything." Rule #2 is "Expand the budget and staff."

Complaining to Yamaha seems like a much more effective way to get action than calling men with guns and badges.

 

[snakebitten]

"All I know is they are their to protect the consumer from the danger of mfg defects. Am I wrong?"

Yes, you are wrong. The NHTSA is a federal bureaucracy. Thus, the conclusion one can correctly draw is that they are there to make the general population think that they are relevant and important, while doing as little as possible along those lines.

The first rule of bureaucracy is "Don't get blamed for anything." Rule #2 is "Expand the budget and staff."

Complaining to Yamaha seems like a much more effective way to get action than calling men with guns and badges.

I might get in trouble for this. But you are DEAD RIGHT on this. Call me a cynic. After 55 years I have my opinion of what they are good at.

This ain't it.

 

[Big Blu]

The nice folks at the NHSTA will get paid regardless of the product/mfg they are working with. I'd rather having working for me on this issue the some other problem. Am I wrong?

A few days ago I posted the contact number for Yamaha Customer Relations(800-962-7926), said I had plans to call them and encouraged others to do the same. Remember? So we're in agreement right? What a novelty. ::025::

Called this AM, spoke with Crytal in Customer Support, then Karman a product specialist. I simple explained what has happened; many failures, new part number, and my concern about my safety, the safety of all S10 owners, and the potential liability Yamaha may face should an accident occur do to a failure of the harness. Karman wanted to discuss this with her supervisor and will call me back. Nice people they were. I'll keep y'all posted.

Yesterday I spoke with the service manager at my local dealer, he checked to make sure no campaign or service bulletin existed for this issues. He checked and the answer was no, however there is a very recent bulletin on proper procedure for adjusting spokes. He called me back today to tell me he brought this to the attention of the Yamaha area rep. During his visit this morning. The rep. told him he had first heard of the issue while at AIMExpo. I'll bet that was Mr. Brick, an inmate here. Thanks to whoever it was for making an effort to bring this to the attention of Yamaha.

In the mean time, as Dallara has pointed out, you to may want to make your concerns known to Yamaha.

NO... Dallara I won't take that bet. I to have faith in the Yamaha Corp. Are we once again in agreement!

BTW, my bike is out warranty.

Regards, Paul

 

[snakebitten]

How can a bike with 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, be out of warranty?

No Tenere on the planet is out of warranty, is it?

Just being a jerk. Ignore me.

 

[Big Blu]

How can a bike with 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, be out of warranty?

No Tenere on the planet is out of warranty, is it?

Just being a jerk. Ignore me.

Well Snake you got me thinking here so I went for the Owners Manual. Lot's of good infor in there, maybe I should start reading Owners Manuals!

On warranty page 10-7, paragraph 2: "..... one year from date of purchase...".
paragraph 10 says 5 years on emissions.

On Saftey, page 10-3:
"If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or cause injury or death, you should notify the National Highway Traffic Saftey Adminiatration (NHTSA) in addition to notifing Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.

You decide if your S10 has such a defect, and if so, well...... you know.

Regards, Paul

 

[creggur]

Well Snake you got me thinking here so I went for the Owners Manual. Lot's of good infor in there, maybe I should start reading Owners Manuals!

On warranty page 10-7, paragraph 2: "..... one year from date of purchase...".
paragraph 10 says 5 years on emissions.

On Saftey, page 10-3:
"If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or cause injury or death, you should notify the National Highway Traffic Saftey Adminiatration (NHTSA) in addition to notifing Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.

You decide if your S10 has such a defect, and if so, well...... you know.

Regards, Paul

Actually they say to contact the NHTSA "immediately"... So Yamaha want us to let them AND the NHTSA know...

I've done my part.

 

[Dallara]

On Saftey, page 10-3:
"If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or cause injury or death, you should notify the National Highway Traffic Saftey Adminiatration (NHTSA) in addition to notifing Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.

You decide if your S10 has such a defect, and if so, well...... you know.

Actually they say to contact the NHTSA "immediately"... So Yamaha want us to let them AND the NHTSA know...

OK, Folks... And I'll bet you can easily guess this one...

Can anybody tell me *WHY* that statement to notify the the NHTSA appears in the owners manual?


Dallara









p.s. - and here's a hint... it appears in the owners manual of every vehicle legally sold in the USA... What was it that somebody was saying about "bureaucracy"? ::025::

p.p.s. - oh, and Blu... you really need to work on that spelling! ::019::

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