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

 

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.

 

You are asking too much of your system mate....

 

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

 

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/3800457 Per J & P Cycles.



Ride Safe,
Harold

 

JP sez:
• 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Thank's Graham , already changed out bulb's. Will look into upgrading charging system when it need's it. Love the extra illumination. Coming home, at night from work, lot's of critter's running across the road. Real bad when deer season is open. On another note, was stationed in the UK, early 80's at a RAF base called Bentwater's, close to Ipswich. Use to catch the ferry at Felixstowe over to Belgium & then a train to Amsterdam & get crazy! Got to see most of Europe by train. Fun days.
Ride safe,
Harold

 

Will check into this, slim. Thank's for the heads up. Ride Safe,
Harold