Headlight on my brand new Honda Rebel is making a bad rattling/loose noise. I?

Question

took it to the dealer for the 500 mile first oil change and to have them look at the headlight. They said they tightened some screws on the inside. Well, as I rode it back to work, it started making the same noise maybe even more. I called back and they said Honda Rebel's headlights were not very good and I might have to end up buying a new headlight. It is a brand new 2008 Rebel. Shouldn't my warranty take care of everything and I wouldn't have to BUY a new headlight? I love my new bike but am getting very frustrated. This is my first bike so I really don't know anything about it other than it was fine until yesterday. Thanks in advance for the advice.

Answer 1

Call Honda direct because if your bike is under warranty and this dealer stated this it violates the agreement between Honda and this dealer. Honda will now be your advocate, and trust me they are very good in this regard. I think the noise is related to the wiring inside the "bucket" (headlight assembly) the wires are joined together with rather large plastic couplers that snap together. The noise you may be hearing are these connectors bouncing around inside the "bucket" and dinging off the inside of your headlight assembly... either that or something loose is floating around inside doing the same thing to make this noise.... it's common and so much so I doubt this dealers ability to touch a bike let alone fix something. Ask them to give it to you in writing that the headlight assembly is bad or manufactured poorly, I'd love to be there....if they do, send a copy to Honda America  - and tell the dealer thank you, then just leave - don't say anything else

Answer 2

They will have to fix the problem under warranty but it sounds like you could save yourself a trip and the time it would take up if you just took a look at the headlight and tightened down the loose screws yourself.  You should be able to see the problem s***w and just tighten it down without any problems and it will take less of your time.

Answer 3

sounds like warranty work, if another headlight is needed...STILL warranty.

I'd keep going back until the dealer gets it fixed or they start hiding when u show up.

and then I'd call the distributor.

Answer 4

It should still be under warranty, take it back to the dealer and demand for it to be fixed, and don't be snowed by them saying that you have to buy a new light. If they refuse to repair it, contact your local trading standards office and lay the problem before them.

Answer 5

shoulda bought a harley

Answer 6

Contact Honda direct.....Go to the top man if you want a satisfactory result. The dealer may have to answer to Honda and lose his franchise.

Answer 7

The problem you are experencing is a common problem on the rebel m/c. I own a 2008 honda rebel (4 months old with 6,200mi. respectfully) and i too had this problem. I got alot of static with honda warranty services about this when i called (They are good to cover a mechanical problem that "deems the m/c inoperable" but small stuff is a run around in my case). What i did was take the screws out and removed the face of the lamp and applied a thin bead of clear silicone under the metal lip of the lamp's front case where it seats against the back lamp case and placed back together. When i put the 2 holding screws back in i used a "loctite epoxy" to hold them tight and this works flawless for me. If the bulb burns out you can still break the screws loose it just takes more strength. Also following this i had other items loosen which caused problems so i highly recomend checking the bolts (once over) before every long trip or every oil interval