Halogen Bulb's
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 102
From: New Albany, Ms.
Halogen Bulb's
Changed my stock halogen headlamp bulb to an aftermarket 80/100. I know these bulbs get hotter, but that's not a issue. I also changed out all the 1157 bulb's in turn signals & tail-light, for a total of 5, to Halogen 1157 bulb's. Thing is , when I brake, or turn signal's on, headlight dim's, noticeably. I'm not very good with a volt-meter, but I do have one. If some one could instruct me on how to check my current drain, & what it is suppose to be, I sure would appreciate it. Doesn't drain my battery, but I worry what it may be doing to my electrical system, over a period of time. My stator crapped out, last year on a run to the coast, so that's all new. I do have a HD manual for the bike.
Thank's in advance for any help. Ride Safe,
Harold
Thank's in advance for any help. Ride Safe,
Harold
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,198
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
How many Watts are those halogen 1157's? And I dunno about running an 80 watt headlight. Stock is 55. That's half again more current in the new one on a circuit the is probably barely sized for the 55 watts, plus all the connections inbetween that can get dirty.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 102
From: New Albany, Ms.
Halogen
Kinda what I was afraid of. I do like the illumination the 80/100 put's out. (80w dim & 100w brite.) ( Pisses off oncoming traffic on the interstate at nite.) I'll go back to stock, & change the bulb's out. Still have the old one's. I'f I were to go to a higher amp stator, rotor, set up, say 38 amp, would that handle it? Not gonna change it , now, too much coin & trouble, but when it need's changing again. Thank's for the info.
Ride Safe,
Harold
Ride Safe,
Harold
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 102
From: New Albany, Ms.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,198
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
Replaces stock 1157 bulbs
12-volt 50/15 watt
Doode, that's like 1 normal headlight at each bulb when it's on. Yeah, I guess your headlight would dim A BIT.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Too much power draw through those poor thin wires! You could install a relay, using your existing wiring to switch it, with additional thicker wires providing power to the bulb direct from the battery, which will get around the headlight problem.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
If you need more light, an HID system is the way to go. Way brighter and better dispersal than any halogen, but draws less current than the stock bulb. I got mine through Motorcycle Metal, but there are several different places you can get one.
The initial cost is high compared to halogen bulbs, but believe me, the results really are like night and day. I congratulate myself on being smart enough to get one every time I ride at night.
The initial cost is high compared to halogen bulbs, but believe me, the results really are like night and day. I congratulate myself on being smart enough to get one every time I ride at night.
Last edited by rivercityslim; Aug 30, 2012 at 09:33 AM.
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 Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 102
From: New Albany, Ms.
Ride safe,
Harold
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 102
From: New Albany, Ms.
If you need more light, an HID system is the way to go. Way brighter and better dispersal than any halogen, but draws less current than the stock bulb. I got mine through Motorcycle Metal, but there are several different places you can get one.
The initial cost is high compared to halogen bulbs, but believe me, the results really are like night and day. I congratulate myself on being smart enough to get one every time I ride at night.
The initial cost is high compared to halogen bulbs, but believe me, the results really are like night and day. I congratulate myself on being smart enough to get one every time I ride at night.
Harold