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Author Topic: Zero DSR Headlight: Silver Reflector De-lamination  (Read 740 times)

ESokoloff

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Zero DSR Headlight: Silver Reflector De-lamination
« on: October 13, 2020, 03:17:38 AM »

2016 with 50k mls....

I just got a new 912/921 led (Running Light)  to replace the last one that has ceased to function on all chips.
The new one is slightly larger OD then the headlights opening so I enlarged the hole with a Dremal & file.
This left some dust inside the housing plus I noticed some fine white hazing on the main beams reflecting surface. 
I flushed out the inside of the housing with water & to my horror much of the silver coating is now gone >:(

Just a heads up to those tempted to clean their housing.

Likely will just end up spending the $150+ on an OEM replacement as that’s the fastest/most assured positive outcome route but asking for input on an aftermarket replacement. 

I have lots of aftermarket lights & even a garage door remote that resides in the headlight housing as does a power port for my phone so needs lots of space for these if an aftermarket solution. 
« Last Edit: October 13, 2020, 05:12:40 AM by ESokoloff »
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Eric
2016 Zero DSR

TheRan

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Re: Zero DSR Headlight Silver Reflector De-lamination
« Reply #1 on: October 13, 2020, 03:26:23 AM »

Well that sucks. Do you have an LED main beam? If not perhaps it was heat that caused it to come off. Can you disassemble the light to recoat the reflector?
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ESokoloff

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Re: Zero DSR Headlight Silver Reflector De-lamination
« Reply #2 on: October 13, 2020, 04:46:04 AM »

I neglected to add that I changed to an LED main & running bulb early on.

I purchased the bike used (<1 yr/2.8k mls) and noticed that the main beam reflector had a slight distortion at the top of the main beam hole so maybe a combination of UV light, heat, & perhaps inferior coating.   

I’ve found this as an interesting method of re-coating the reflector but I’m sure it’s cost prohibitive to outright buy the materials or pay to have done. 

Looks like the clear outer lens is glued to the black bracket with black silicone. 
It looks do-able to cut the clear lens just above it’s flange with a Demel to access the reflector.   
Paint with reflective paint and reassemble using copious amounts of clear silicone between the lens & reflector. 
The outer bezel will hide some of the sins.   

Likely I’ll go this route & at least that will buy me time to seek a better long term solution if need be. 

Will still entertain aftermarket solutions so post if you have suggestions please. 
« Last Edit: October 13, 2020, 04:50:08 AM by ESokoloff »
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Eric
2016 Zero DSR

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Re: Zero DSR Headlight: Silver Reflector De-lamination
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2020, 01:49:24 PM »

Scorched headlight reflective surfaces are a common problem with halogen moto headlights. Both my BMW and Ducati suffered from this disease.

Lots of people in the automotive sector open their "sealed" headlights to do mods. They have found heating the assembly to 250* F softens the black glue enough to separate the parts, without melting the plastic parts.
Here is a video documenting this process :

As for recoating the reflector, there are a number of low cost "mirror" in a can products out there but I do not think they will give you the results you are after. Another more expensive option is a product called Easy Chrome. It's a multi step coating process, not cheap but the results I have seen look impressive.
Yet another possible idea would be to use a small piece of Aluminum foil tape to patch the damaged area, then buff and polish it.
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ESokoloff

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Re: Zero DSR Headlight: Silver Reflector De-lamination
« Reply #4 on: October 16, 2020, 07:52:27 AM »

Well...
I completed the repair before your response as I had to get the job done for this weeks commute.
 
I have alum tape & contemplated using it but found that it wasn’t as reflective as alum foil so I used the foil instead.
In hind sight I would have been better off using the tape & polishing as you suggested.

I’m not sure how much lum’s I lost in the process but I’m now contemplating J.W. Speaker adaptive led https://www.jwspeaker.com/products/adaptive-led-headlights-model-8691-adaptive-2/ as a permanent fix.   

Now to figure out how to shoehorn/blend it in with the stock arrangement as I’m not willing to loose the benefits of the wire compartment, & turn signal & power port mounts.

At least it’s back to road worthiness.
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Eric
2016 Zero DSR
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