Headlight minor flicker - wiring loom issue?

[simbad]

Hi folks,

At the last service - the garage noticed a slight flicker on the headlight (so minor I hadn't really noticed) and don't do much night riding.  They suspected a bad earth connection and wanted the bike back for a look.

Triumph agreed for labour charge to investigate and have been told that after testing - no faults found - but flicker still there. Recommend a new wiring loom which they will pay for the part (£500) but but not the labour (£432). 

The bike is 3 yr old - but after 15,000 miles does this seem fair?

I've noticed a few members have had problems with wiring loom and replacements fitted. If this is a known issue, seems a little unjust for owners to pick up the tab?

Thanks for any advice.

[john348]

When my bike goes to tick over I notice my aftermarket LED lights flicker.  They are so bright it might mask the headlights flickering.  It is not a worry because as soon as I rev it the flicker stops?  Didn't even think it was an issue.

[simbad]

To be honest I was surprised that they were wanting to explore it as I could hardly see the flicker. Got them to show me and even then I had to look hard! Apparently it is more noticeable in the dark workshop. So I'm not surprised that they haven't found any fault as such.

Anyone else notice minor flicker on headlight?  The revs do stop this.

[Aitken65]

Put my SE to the local dealer 6 weeks ago as the screen was not working. New ECU, New screen motor, still not working. Further examination fuse box heavily corroded and wiring loom showing signs of corrosion. Bike three years old and only 10k on clock. waiting for word from Triumph.
There would appear to be an issue with wiring and water protection has anyone else had such problems.

[nert]

Run, ride for the hills. Find a competent shop. Its just low voltage at idle speed. A volt meter will show this. Probably worse with electrical load on, like heated grips, seats, etc. My Trophy as well as just about any other bike I own or have owned displays this behavior. A new or different battery may help mask the visual flicker since the battery is a large capacitor, it can aid it smoothing voltage fluctuation.
But in this case, "the problem isn't the problem"

If you proceed with the repair, and the flicker is still there, is the dealer going to refund your money?

[john348]

Originally Posted by Aitken65

Put my SE to the local dealer 6 weeks ago as the screen was not working. New ECU, New screen motor, still not working. Further examination fuse box heavily corroded and wiring loom showing signs of corrosion. Bike three years old and only 10k on clock. waiting for word from Triumph.
There would appear to be an issue with wiring and water protection has anyone else had such problems.

Sounds like a problem when the Bike was shipped or stored.  I do know of cars that are stored on the quayside and the salt gets to them early on.

I know it is a different country but I would think they don't use boats to ship to Inverness????

Mine with 30K on clock shows signs of dulling on the fairing screws but that is all.

[simbad]

Thanks for replies -

Triumph not willing to commit to paying up if a new loom doesn't fix it. Since they suggested the new loom as a fix - it puts the pressure on me to take the chance that they were right or not. Doesn't seem like a fair deal to me. Apparently they are getting tougher on warranty claims according to the dealer.

[earthman]

Originally Posted by nert

Run, ride for the hills. Find a competent shop. Its just low voltage at idle speed. A volt meter will show this. Probably worse with electrical load on, like heated grips, seats, etc. My Trophy as well as just about any other bike I own or have owned displays this behavior. A new or different battery may help mask the visual flicker since the battery is a large capacitor, it can aid it smoothing voltage fluctuation.
But in this case, "the problem isn't the problem"

If you proceed with the repair, and the flicker is still there, is the dealer going to refund your money?

I agree, I've noticed the same behavior on past bikes too, putting the turn indicators on at tick over results in headlight flicker too.