Head light life
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From:
Head light life
1999 Evo Softail Custom
Replaced the head light, now days they have 3-4 types if Brighter than stock bulbs.
Cars run these a lot.
So I chose one that was 1 step brighter than stock.
Didn't last long, May not have worked at all....
I did have high/low working when I installed it, checked both OK.
I day or 2 later, it was dusk, noticed the low beam wasn't working, turned on the High,
lasted about 10 seconds, and it burned out.
As mentioned these are used in cars a lot.
I'm wondering it the electrical system is different on bikes, especially a 1999, so that it can't regulate
the current as well ??? or something like that ?
Any ideas...... lets assume it wasn't a bad bulb.
Replaced the head light, now days they have 3-4 types if Brighter than stock bulbs.
Cars run these a lot.
So I chose one that was 1 step brighter than stock.
Didn't last long, May not have worked at all....
I did have high/low working when I installed it, checked both OK.
I day or 2 later, it was dusk, noticed the low beam wasn't working, turned on the High,
lasted about 10 seconds, and it burned out.
As mentioned these are used in cars a lot.
I'm wondering it the electrical system is different on bikes, especially a 1999, so that it can't regulate
the current as well ??? or something like that ?
Any ideas...... lets assume it wasn't a bad bulb.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5,315
Likes: 4,272
From: Granville New York
The guy at the parts store told me the brighter the bulb the shorter the life...but 2 days seems absurd lol. Maybe it didn't like the vibration of the headlight bucket. I had an 06 springer and that headlight looked like it was on a pogo stick. Maybe find one that is made for rough service? I have my money on vibration killed it
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 3,251
From: Chicagoland
PIAA makes specific superbright “motorsports” bulbs for MCs, snowmobiles, etc.
Made to resist the damage from vibration. I always had good luck with them in my sport bike days before LEDs were common place.
H4 example:
https://www.piaa.com/store/p/159-H4-...ogen-Bulb.aspx
They have a blue tint on the bulb, but they dont throw blue- very white.
Made to resist the damage from vibration. I always had good luck with them in my sport bike days before LEDs were common place.
H4 example:
https://www.piaa.com/store/p/159-H4-...ogen-Bulb.aspx
They have a blue tint on the bulb, but they dont throw blue- very white.
Last edited by Keggr; Sep 9, 2021 at 12:48 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 14,202
Likes: 63,794
From: Other Side of the Tracks
Just installed Custom Dynamics LED headlight and LED Passing lights.
BIG difference in output.
2012 Ultra Limited.
Original housing(s) were starting to discolor with swirl patterns on the inside of the lenses.
BIG difference in output.
2012 Ultra Limited.
Original housing(s) were starting to discolor with swirl patterns on the inside of the lenses.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,534
Likes: 8,369
From: Inland NW
If it was a cheap bulb, or it was mishandled (don't touch the glass) the life can be short.
As stated above, if you go brighter or whiter, you are going to pay for quality. PIAA is your best bet. I will never forget being out in the middle of nowhere having my headlight on my bike go out in the middle of the night. It freaking sucks. I had a high beam, but I was getting worried LOL
Before LEDs came out, I have lit piles of money on fire on those damn halogen bulbs for my cars, trucks, and bikes over the 15 years they were a thing.
Your absolute best bet is to get a good LED replacement headlight assy
As stated above, if you go brighter or whiter, you are going to pay for quality. PIAA is your best bet. I will never forget being out in the middle of nowhere having my headlight on my bike go out in the middle of the night. It freaking sucks. I had a high beam, but I was getting worried LOL
Before LEDs came out, I have lit piles of money on fire on those damn halogen bulbs for my cars, trucks, and bikes over the 15 years they were a thing.
Your absolute best bet is to get a good LED replacement headlight assy
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kayakeur
Electrical/Lighting/Alarm
1
Aug 23, 2015 07:59 AM