need brighter lights
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
See if your local auto parts dealer stocks Sylvania Silverstars, there a bit more expensive than regular bulbs.
But they do put out more/better light without overloading the wiring in your bike.
I use them in both my bike and truck and have for a long time now.
But they do put out more/better light without overloading the wiring in your bike.
I use them in both my bike and truck and have for a long time now.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
I got some Sylvania Silverstars at wal-mart. they burned out in a month. I think they are not for motorcycles. I got the Harley bright ones and they are almost as bright but have lasted a while. The big difference was the head lamp. My Harley head lamp was getting frosted so I got a bosh head lamp. They are $40 new and I got mine for $20 used from a local chopper shop. The lens is on the glass and the reflector is all glass. http://www.ratwell.com/technical/BoschH4.html
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
tk353,
That's an interesting article you found. The only problem is I don't believe that I have ever seen a Bosh bulb stocked in any of the local or even big chain auto parts stores.
The other thing is that in all the years I have been using Silverstar bulbs in my trucks and cars. I can't remember ever having one burn out in under two or three years.
I generally average over 60K miles a year with a lot of it at night so the odds are that I should have cooked a bunch.
The one in my bike has been in there since, day two maybe, I got the bike and its still operating perfectly two years later.
If I have a 'problem' with it its that the stock bucket's mounting is kind of 'soft' and its far too easy to knock it spoiling its aim. I solved that by looking in the manual to find out how to aim it properly and used a little paint to mark the ground and the dimly lit back wall of a light colored building in a nearby shopping plaza.
Anytime I think it may be off all I have to do is park on the paint spot and see where the light hits the wall. Takes all of about 30 seconds to do once you have the markings up.
PS You need to get the H4 bulbs for a bike. There is a 9000 version that will fit, (can't remember what one it is right now) but its filiment not reinforced for the vibration of a bike. So it may be that you got one of those and it couldn't handle the bumpy ride your bike gave it.
That's an interesting article you found. The only problem is I don't believe that I have ever seen a Bosh bulb stocked in any of the local or even big chain auto parts stores.
The other thing is that in all the years I have been using Silverstar bulbs in my trucks and cars. I can't remember ever having one burn out in under two or three years.
I generally average over 60K miles a year with a lot of it at night so the odds are that I should have cooked a bunch.
The one in my bike has been in there since, day two maybe, I got the bike and its still operating perfectly two years later.
If I have a 'problem' with it its that the stock bucket's mounting is kind of 'soft' and its far too easy to knock it spoiling its aim. I solved that by looking in the manual to find out how to aim it properly and used a little paint to mark the ground and the dimly lit back wall of a light colored building in a nearby shopping plaza.
Anytime I think it may be off all I have to do is park on the paint spot and see where the light hits the wall. Takes all of about 30 seconds to do once you have the markings up.
PS You need to get the H4 bulbs for a bike. There is a 9000 version that will fit, (can't remember what one it is right now) but its filiment not reinforced for the vibration of a bike. So it may be that you got one of those and it couldn't handle the bumpy ride your bike gave it.
Last edited by In Memoriam Citoriplus; Dec 23, 2008 at 07:35 AM.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
tested Bosh
I personally tested Bosh and Adjure headlamps (the silver & glass thing) side by side under controlled conditions. The Bosh lamp was poor in performance side by side. The length of the pattern came up way short. I believe the clear stock Harley may do as good as a job as Adjure but have not tested them (HD lamps) to know for sure. IMO and in my side by side tests the Bosh should only illuminate the trash can. Anyone is welcome to duplicate this & post their findings.
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From: Leander Texas
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