piaa lights

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Jun 10, 2010 | 10:35 PM

zanne

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piaa lights

I love these lights, as theyre great riding down a dark road..when they're working! I recently replaced the bulbs (after using them for a few months), & I turned them on the other night for the first time, & after about 7-8 miles, out they went again. Has anyone else had this problem?

Jun 11, 2010 | 01:30 PM

JoeFriday77

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Joined: Dec 2009

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From: DFW

Not sure how you replace the bulbs. With halogen bulbs, you have to be careful to not touch them with your fingers. The oil from your fingers create a hot spot and shorten the bulb life. I always put on latex gloves when working with them just to make sure nothing gets on the bulb. I haven't had any problems so far. I use a PIAA bulb in my headlight.

Jun 11, 2010 | 02:51 PM

Osco

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Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 1,757

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From: Central Florida

Yuppers

The smallest touch leaves behind some skin oil and Poof,,you created a hot spot.
Lights out,,,

Jun 19, 2010 | 10:46 AM

zanne

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yea i knew that, so was real careful, ...didn't think I touched thme, but still both bulbs are out. I'll trying wearing latex gloves. thanks

Jun 19, 2010 | 03:31 PM

Zenmervolt

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 566

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From: Seattle, WA

Which type of bulb? PIAA makes many, many, many different kinds.

If you're using the "blue" or "ultrawhite" or other colored bulbs, these bulbs have their filaments overdriven in order to push enough lumens out through the tinting used to create the color to make the bulbs put out legal lumens. This severely shortens the service life of these bulbs, especially in situations with heavy vibration like on a bike.

For more information about blue or "ultrawhite" bulbs, try here:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...blue/blue.html

Jun 20, 2010 | 09:04 AM

moto monkee

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Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 119

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From: Los Angeles, California

I've used PIAA bulbe on all the cars and trucks I've owned and was going to buy them for the Harley. I always bought an extra set just for that reason...they do burn out. Sometimes 6-8 months or sometimes 1 to a year and a half. At $55 to $85 a set, it gets expensive. I just switch to 3rd generation H.I.D kits with a 2 year warranty (no hassle) on both the bulbs and ballasts. I have the regular heavy duty on my truck and I'm going to install the slim ballast on the bike. I found them for $35 a set...and I have a spare for the bike. With a full selection of bulb types, full range from 4000K to 10000K brightness, and the 2 year warranty, It's the way to go, it's brighter and cheaper. I will post a D.I.Y. post soon because there is a bit of a mod for the bike(wiring). Let me know what PIAA bulbs you use (H4, H3, H1...) and what type (super white, extreme white, ultra white...). If I have a spare, I'll send it to you for free, just pay the shipping. If it is a new set, I can sell it super cheap. The corner of my work table looks like a PIAA display case.

Jun 20, 2010 | 02:25 PM

tiger_rider

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Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 375

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From: Jackson NJ

I've used the PIAA 1100x auxiliary driving lights for over 2 years. They are very bright and are great for night time visibility. PIAAs are high performance lights and they do burn out quicker than standard lights, but they should last at least a year. If you are using the 1100s then these are sealed units and you arent going to harm them by touching them.