Headlight Bulb life
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
Headlight Bulb life
My Scoot is 1 1/2 years old with about 8,800 miles. I normally ride with the bright light on during the day. She's a FatBoy. My headlight went out today so I switched to low beam, which works. How long should these last? I replaced the stock one which died quickly with an aftermarket brighter white bulb. Three have died thus far, and they are a pain to change.
Is this normal life expectancy?
Thanks much
Is this normal life expectancy?
- What replacement bulb is very good?
- Should I go LED?
- What happens when an LED headlight goes? I have never seen replacement HD LED headlights.
Thanks much
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 110
From: Mesa, Az.
Life of the bulbs depends on a number of things; including vibration, rough roads, etc. Running with the high beam on during the day generated more heat and probably led to the premature failure.
Mine lasted for 80K miles in about 2.5 years, I replaced it with a stock bulb. It's still working at 120K.
Mine lasted for 80K miles in about 2.5 years, I replaced it with a stock bulb. It's still working at 120K.
Last edited by joe.1955; Feb 13, 2012 at 06:05 PM.
It's been my experience that when you upgrade to a bulb like Nightbreaker or Extreme, bulb life gets real short.... I've had great success with Osram Cool Blue. Osram/Sylvania are the same company, but I am told Osram is manufactured in a different plants and there quality control seems to be better.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,988
Likes: 6,128
From: Florida
45 bikes, 18 Harleys,40 years of riding. 1 flat(1st bike,BSA) 1 headlight bulb ('90FXSTC) NO cables. No accidents. Only ever stranded on my Goldwing (4 times) NO ****! I can't explain why.
I hope I didn't just jinx myself.
I hope I didn't just jinx myself.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Try a PIAA motorcycle bulb. Heavy duty vibration resistant.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
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From: TOAK western branch
Most comon bulbs to fail are sylvania H4. As they are not for bikes. If you use a Sylvania you need a H4st. I would go through about 4 a year. Switched to PIAA 100w and hasnt blown yet.FWIW.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
Make sure you aren't getting finger oil on the bulb. It creates a hot spot that will cause premature death of the bulb.
I use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the H4 bulb before installing it.
I've been running the same H4 55/100w for over 20+ years in my FXSTC.
Low beam during the day though.
I use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the H4 bulb before installing it.
I've been running the same H4 55/100w for over 20+ years in my FXSTC.
Low beam during the day though.