What is the most powerful 881 bulb I can put in the spotlights of my 2013 Road King? My research shows stock is about 27 watts. What's the brightest, 35, 38, 55??? I ran 55s in my Fat Boy, but I am hearing now that I probably should not have. What can the wiring handle? My stock lenses are already starting to fog over. Is that the heat from the stock bulbs, or sunlight? Please advise.

 

If you put to hot a lamp in there it can melt the reflective material off the back of the shell.

 

Yeah, no kidding. That's the point of the question. Now, what's the answer???

 

 

Lol, thanks unit but that's a little much for my bike.

Still hoping someone can come up with some ideas.

 

What do you mean by fogging over? My passing lamps on the Heritage developed a haze on the inside of the glass. They cleaned up real nice with some rubbing alcohol.

 

This is the guy that got me what I needed. He knows his stuff.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html

 

What's shaken BL, haven't seen you in a while. Another new ride, good for you! I'm guessing you already know about the Truck-Lite LED running lamps and they're probably more them you want to spend. But they're awesome so I'm just throwing them out there: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-Truc...62d091&vxp=mtr

 

Maybe I am not being as clear as I should be. What I am wanting to know is what is the highest wattage bulb I can put in the stock passing lights without melting the wires or sockets. The stock 881 bulbs are 27 watts. Can I safely run 35w, 38w or can I just pop in some 55w bulbs? What can the stock units handle before meltdown?

SJ58, yeah, that's exactly what I am talking about. I guess I will try to wipe the inside of the lenses. They have a very obvious and pronounced haze on the inside of the lenses.

Thanks Panhead. Yeah, I have spent a great deal of time looking at LEDs. I just don't want to spend that much right now. Down the road I will buy the complete Truck Light system. Just not today.

 

The fog on the inside of the lens can be cleaned with IPA (isopropyl alcohol).

If you need running lamps the replaceable running lamp bulbs, stock, are GE 881L bulbs.

The 881L (L is for long life) is rated at:

Ge Halogen 12v 881L/BP replacement Bulb
Primary Application: Fog/Driving Lights
12.8 Volts, 2.10 Amps, 27 Watts
T-3-1/4 Bulb Type, Right Angle PGJ13 Base
43 Mean Spherical Candle Power from C-6 Style Filament, 1000 Hour Rated Ave. Lab Life


I found and purchased the GE 898 bulbs. The specs are:

Ge Halogen 12v 898/BP replacement Bulb
Primary Application: Fog/Driving Lights
12.8 Volts, 2.93 Amps, 38 Watts
T-3-1/4 Bulb Type, Right Angle PGJ13 Base
60 Mean Spherical Candle Power from C-6 Style Filament, 1900 Hour Rated Ave. Lab Life


Great option for the running lamps.