Day time highbeams
I used to run on high beam all the time. But, I kept going through bulbs too quickly and it washed out my lights mounted on the engine guard making them useless. So, I just aimed the low beam up really high and it looks and works perfectly. An added benefit is when I really need to get some douchebag's attention, the high beam works like a dream...
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
I used to run high beam all the time, but I got tired of having bulbs burn out, every 6-8 months (10K - 12K miles). This was with both Silverstars & PIAAs. Switched to using the low beam and the bulb is at 14 months, 24,800 miles and still going. If I was a lower mileage rider, I'd probably run the high beam more, but I'd rather save the high beam filament for when I really need it.
If you look as most headlamp bulbs you'll see that the legs for the high beam filament are longer than those of the low beam and IMO, that makes them more susceptible to vibration fatigue and premature failure.
My 2˘
.
If you look as most headlamp bulbs you'll see that the legs for the high beam filament are longer than those of the low beam and IMO, that makes them more susceptible to vibration fatigue and premature failure.
My 2˘
.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 510
Likes: 13
From: East Tennessee
I read an article some time back that the low beam of a harley faded when viewed from the side..the further away from staight on the lesser the head light could be seen..suggestion was to always run high beam..
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 33
I used to run high beam all the time, but I got tired of having bulbs burn out, every 6-8 months (10K - 12K miles). This was with both Silverstars & PIAAs. Switched to using the low beam and the bulb is at 14 months, 24,800 miles and still going. If I was a lower mileage rider, I'd probably run the high beam more, but I'd rather save the high beam filament for when I really need it.
If you look as most headlamp bulbs you'll see that the legs for the high beam filament are longer than those of the low beam and IMO, that makes them more susceptible to vibration fatigue and premature failure.
My 2˘
.
If you look as most headlamp bulbs you'll see that the legs for the high beam filament are longer than those of the low beam and IMO, that makes them more susceptible to vibration fatigue and premature failure.
My 2˘
.
By the way, I run dual 70 watt hi beams along with 55 watt Hella driving lights during the day.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: Stanley, NC
I used to run high beam all the time, but I got tired of having bulbs burn out, every 6-8 months (10K - 12K miles). This was with both Silverstars & PIAAs. Switched to using the low beam and the bulb is at 14 months, 24,800 miles and still going. If I was a lower mileage rider, I'd probably run the high beam more, but I'd rather save the high beam filament for when I really need it.
If you look as most headlamp bulbs you'll see that the legs for the high beam filament are longer than those of the low beam and IMO, that makes them more susceptible to vibration fatigue and premature failure.
My 2˘
.
If you look as most headlamp bulbs you'll see that the legs for the high beam filament are longer than those of the low beam and IMO, that makes them more susceptible to vibration fatigue and premature failure.
My 2˘
.
If your argument for the filament on the high-beam held water then it wouldn't seem to make a diff whether the high beam was on or off, they would fail prematurely (your theory) regardless whether they were off or on, no?
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Western, Massachusetts
It might be just my imagination but when I had my Road King I ran low beams with the running lights on at all times, people seemed to see me better. With my softail custom with high beams on they still dont seem to see me as well. In any case I run high beems on my softail at all times.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,486
Likes: 6
From: Union,Ms
If it's daylight out, I run my high-beam.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
I've run my high beam during the day on every bike I've ever owned/ridden. I think it improves the chance of other drivers seeing me. FWIW I've owned this particular Harley for 6 years this year and STILL haven't changed the bulb.
If your argument for the filament on the high-beam held water then it wouldn't seem to make a diff whether the high beam was on or off, they would fail prematurely (your theory) regardless whether they were off or on, no?
If your argument for the filament on the high-beam held water then it wouldn't seem to make a diff whether the high beam was on or off, they would fail prematurely (your theory) regardless whether they were off or on, no?
Of course, the more light up front the better when it comes to being seen. I'm not debating the obvious, just pointing out my experience with high vs low beam bulb life.
In city traffic I'll often use my high beam, but I don't run it any more if I'm on the slab or in the middle of nowhere.
Last edited by cHarley; Jan 24, 2011 at 11:20 AM.
