Any tips for a better headlight?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
Go to Ebay and just type 'harley halogen xenon.' $4.95 buys a super white bulb. Many listings and wattages from which to choose.
I went a step further. I typed halogen 100W.
My 2000 Road Glide came with "yellow" lights too. I replaced the 55W/60 stock lights with Halogen Xenons 90W/100, ( 2 in my Road Glide,) and have been very impressed. Super white, 5000K rated, (look blue when you're looking at the headlight,) and throws a swath of light very similar to my car's headlights. Never had that kind light previously on a motorcycle. I need that given that I ride to work at 5:30 in the morning from out in the country everyday.
They've lasted over 4 years now and over 60,000 miles. Because there were two on the Road Glide though, I calculated the extra draw: 100 watts divided by 12.5 volts = 8 amps x 2 bulbs = 16 amps. With a 20 amp fuse I have had no issues. And there is no heat damaged to my nacelles, plugs or wiring either.
So on a single headlight bike like yours, there should be no problems at all.
Coolest thing is that I got them on EBay for $8 total. (I figured I had nothing to lose by trying, and instead hit a home run.)
I went a step further. I typed halogen 100W.
My 2000 Road Glide came with "yellow" lights too. I replaced the 55W/60 stock lights with Halogen Xenons 90W/100, ( 2 in my Road Glide,) and have been very impressed. Super white, 5000K rated, (look blue when you're looking at the headlight,) and throws a swath of light very similar to my car's headlights. Never had that kind light previously on a motorcycle. I need that given that I ride to work at 5:30 in the morning from out in the country everyday.
They've lasted over 4 years now and over 60,000 miles. Because there were two on the Road Glide though, I calculated the extra draw: 100 watts divided by 12.5 volts = 8 amps x 2 bulbs = 16 amps. With a 20 amp fuse I have had no issues. And there is no heat damaged to my nacelles, plugs or wiring either.
So on a single headlight bike like yours, there should be no problems at all.
Coolest thing is that I got them on EBay for $8 total. (I figured I had nothing to lose by trying, and instead hit a home run.)
Last edited by Stiggy; Nov 24, 2012 at 02:39 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Has anyone upgraded to the 'Daymaker LED'? I can't find a chart with the output in watts or lumens.
Quote from "Agapsdiver" from the touring model section:
My orig. single Night Train bulb 60/45 watts drew 4 amps (low), 7 amps (high).
Stock Road Glide dual bulbs 60/45 watts drew 8.5 amps (low), 14 amps (high).
Dual OSRAM 100/80 watts drew 10.5 amps (low), 13.5 amps (high).
New dual LED’s draw 2.5 amps (low), 3.5 amps (high)
Quote from "Agapsdiver" from the touring model section:
My orig. single Night Train bulb 60/45 watts drew 4 amps (low), 7 amps (high).
Stock Road Glide dual bulbs 60/45 watts drew 8.5 amps (low), 14 amps (high).
Dual OSRAM 100/80 watts drew 10.5 amps (low), 13.5 amps (high).
New dual LED’s draw 2.5 amps (low), 3.5 amps (high)
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 804
Likes: 1
From: 415
I bumped up to a higher wattage bulb. Cost was around 13 dollars.
Bulb, H4 Halogen, 80/100 watt. Osram/ Sylvania brand ($12.45)
See: http://www.germanautoparts.com/Hardware/Bulbs/H4
I am very happy with the difference, and no issues.
Bulb, H4 Halogen, 80/100 watt. Osram/ Sylvania brand ($12.45)
See: http://www.germanautoparts.com/Hardware/Bulbs/H4
I am very happy with the difference, and no issues.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 964
Likes: 9
From: Acme Pa.
I do think shape and internal reflector surface has alot to do with it. I bought a cheap chrome headlight from Demon Cycles ,(around $80). I wanted to keep the bar and sheild logo on my stock light so I put all my factory guts inside the new bucket ( also helped with not having to change plug). It is alot brighter inside this bucket, The bulb is recessed a little more and that gives it alot more reflective surface. I'm no scientist to give you the particulars, but I can tell you what works for me.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 8
From: NE Ohio
I've found this one to work very well just as a replacement bulb:
PIAA Powersports H4 Xtreme White Plus Anti-Vibration Bulb (Single)
PIAA Powersports H4 Xtreme White Plus Anti-Vibration Bulb (Single)
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I put a HID Kit on my V-Rod, worked and matched well for that bike... Cost was under $45. Here is a link:
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Cat...-Kits-Lighting
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Cat...-Kits-Lighting