Headlight Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,810
From: Centennial, CO
I recently upgraded my headlight to the HID conversion. They sell them all over ebay. Prices range from 35 to 150 bucks. I'm cheap, so I bought a cheap one. Holy freakin moly! I have tried all the drop in bulbs like the Silverstar and the Piaa. All good bulbs and all better than stock. None in the leauge of the HID. This thing is like turning on daytime.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Yep, that's where I got the info from. His thread. These lights are supposed to outlast every standard bulb, but I have to see that to believe it. What I have seen so far amazes me. Last night the guy next to literally said "I might as well have turned off my headlight for all the good it was doing".
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,810
From: Centennial, CO
BL, did you put the light on the Springer in your pic? If so, what did you do with the ballast and other pertinent things? I've pretty much figured it all won't fit in a 5 3/4 bucket.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: USA
I have a feeling you're going to very disappointed. Harley really screwed up with the smooth approach. At best, with any bulb, it just glows. I would guess the only reason Harley changed was for looks at the expense of light. The fluted headlamp you're taking out has flutes for a reason. You are taking a step backwards in my opinion. I junked the smooth stocker and replaced it with a European H4 from Hella. Was less than 50 bucks with a new bulb. During the DAY it lights up street sign reflections and at night the beam is amazing. Do a search on it. You really don't need to spend a ton of money on marketing schemes that don't work to get good light.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,810
From: Centennial, CO
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170492679790...84.m1423.l2649
I'll put it in my Adjure Tri-Bar.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
No, I put it on my Fat Boy with a primary on/off switch in the cowl. Its my understanding that a mini ballast is an option for smaller headlights. Its more money, but still only fifty or so dollars. I have not tried it, only read about them on ebay. I can vouch only for the full size ballast.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
I have a feeling you're going to very disappointed. Harley really screwed up with the smooth approach. At best, with any bulb, it just glows. I would guess the only reason Harley changed was for looks at the expense of light. The fluted headlamp you're taking out has flutes for a reason. You are taking a step backwards in my opinion. I junked the smooth stocker and replaced it with a European H4 from Hella. Was less than 50 bucks with a new bulb. During the DAY it lights up street sign reflections and at night the beam is amazing. Do a search on it. You really don't need to spend a ton of money on marketing schemes that don't work to get good light.
This came up before in another thread, and I think it's really good advice. The fluted (prismed) lenses throw a lot more light out to the side, are a lot more visible from angles other than straight-on, and that's where a lot of our "enemy incoming" come from.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,810
From: Centennial, CO
No, I put it on my Fat Boy with a primary on/off switch in the cowl. Its my understanding that a mini ballast is an option for smaller headlights. Its more money, but still only fifty or so dollars. I have not tried it, only read about them on ebay. I can vouch only for the full size ballast.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
I have a feeling you're going to very disappointed. Harley really screwed up with the smooth approach. At best, with any bulb, it just glows. I would guess the only reason Harley changed was for looks at the expense of light. The fluted headlamp you're taking out has flutes for a reason. You are taking a step backwards in my opinion. I junked the smooth stocker and replaced it with a European H4 from Hella. Was less than 50 bucks with a new bulb. During the DAY it lights up street sign reflections and at night the beam is amazing. Do a search on it. You really don't need to spend a ton of money on marketing schemes that don't work to get good light.
Is this like the hella you bought? Fits right in the stock bucket fine?