As most of you know, my original "miracle headlamp" developed a very bad leak resulting in a fogged condition. The company that supplied the lamps to Harley recalled them, but could not provide an immediate replacement. As a result, Spinner could only be ridden during the day.

Yesterday after the gym I just happed to ride by the shop for no particular reason other than to steal a latte' instead of buying one. One of the parts guys (in this case a gal) told me that my new lamp was in. Ryan gratiously agreed to install it on the spot and properly level it.

Last night at dusk I took Spinner out for her first lunar jaunt of 2011. My feeling about this new lamp is mixed.

First, this new headlamp seemed easier for Ryan to install and aim--either that or he's getting really good at doing numerous repairs! These "light bars" were set true and level. He aimed the lamp at the perfect distance.

Other than that, it's rather hum-drum. For the money, I still found that "unlighted zone" from the front of my wheel out about twenty feet. The other lamp even appeared brighter. The good thing is that highway signs on the slab seem to light up as if bathed in neon. I have always liked the ambient side wash of the light. It still seems only as bright as a good grade of traditional lamp. However, to be fair, I was having trouple finding a completely black rural road to see how this lamp operates when truly needed.

More tests need to be done. Still, Spinner is a now a 24/7 motorcycle.

https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb23 ... 1-48-1.jpg

(Interesting side story, at least interesting to us fudds. Last night when testing the lamp, I ran Spinner down on fuel--yet again. I stopped at my favorite station, and filled. But as I was about to leave, I saw two guys in their mid twenties sitting on a dark corner of the parking lot apron. They were dressed in black from head to toe, and they were on cafe' racers, also a muted matte black. I rolled over to say hi. We wound up talking about bikes for a half hour.

I told them that I had never owned a sport bike, and the closest I ever came was in owning a Honda CBX. One of the guys asked if I bought it used or just in a basket. I told them I had bought it new off the showroom floor.

There was this momentary "uncomfortable silence" as if they were in the midst of a time traveler. I got a cheap laugh to break the silence when I informed them it was before their births when I was dating their mothers...)