I just changed my third low beam bulb but considering the time and mileage is that pretty much the norm?
Trick question?
My mate's GSXR1100J recently blew several tail lamp bulbs, I tested his charging system for any irregularities i.e voltage spikes and found nothing strange going on.
These old slabsides are known for blowing tail lamp bulbs so I put it down to old and worn lamp rubber mounts causing the knocks and thumps of suspension work to physically shattering the bulb filament.
Anyway, I suddenly had a 'eureka moment'...... would a led bulb be more robust and keep working?
I mentioned this theory to him and he went to Repco and he asked for a led stop/tail bulb for his bike. The guy at the counter told him there was none available and he did not think they were ever available.
Idiot! Of course they are available, he just never bothered inquiring on behalf of my mate.
So I ordered a couple of led 12v stop/tail bulbs from China,
waited ages for delivery, and installed one in his tail lamp.
He's ridden 8000kms since then with NO problem, the bulb still works!!
Case closed.
That leads me to wonder if a lot of the time the bulbs stop working due to vibration, NOT power surges or spikes.
That's the other side of the coin! An often overlooked possibility.