The bulb you listed is an alternative H4 bulb that is 80/100W correct?

 

Yes, this is bulb I've been running for years in both stock and E-code headlights. The E-codes and high-wattage bulbs are both theoretically illegal for highway use in the U.S., but I've never had anyone raise any eyebrows. I've also run E-codes on some of my cars. The Hella E-code headlights look like any other fluted headlight and none of the markings give them away, so I don't know how anyone could tell. BTW, I'm not sure about the meaning of the 100-hr. avg. life claim, as they always last for years on my bikes and cars.

No, you don't need a relay for the headlight/bulb conversion, as both are direct replacements. Not to complicate the discussion, but there actually is a good argument for using a relay on the headlight. If you put a VOM on the headlight connector while the engine is running, you'll get an output of around 12V on both high- and low-beam. Put the VOM on the battery while the engine is running you'll see at least 13V, and the difference can make a major change in light output. The downside is that it will decrease the life of the bulb, probably quite a bit. There are some aftermarket relay kits for this very purpose, and Motorcycle Consumer News tested one of these several years ago. I could try to dig-up this test if anyone is interested. I didn't bother using a relay because I consider the light output to be impressive enough and I don't want to decrease the lifespan of the bulb.

In my previous reply I mentioned the relay only for connecting the driving lights you had mentioned. BTW, what driving lights are you considering? I've toyed with adding some lighting to the front, but never found anything that moved me sufficiently.

 

Like a couple of others, I switched to an E code reflector and lens by Hella combined with a PIAA extreme white bulb. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. A heck of a lot les expensive than the moco LED.

 

Correct. The Osram/Sylvania 80/100. 4th one down from the top. Supposely illegal for road use, but cages don't flash there high beams at me unless I have my high beams on myself. Passed many cops day & night's since installing. I doubt they will pull me over and have me remove bulb for an inspection anytime soon.

 

OLD THREAD REVIVAL TIME!

That Osram/Sylvania 80/100 must put a helluva strain on the charging system!

 

It's only 5 years old!

I've been using 55/60 H4's purchased off EBay for about $4 with great success. I have the 5,000K which are much brighter than stock. No reason to spend more for bulbs.

 

This bulb should be brighter, but I wonder if it is.
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http://www.amazon.com/PIAA-70456-Xtreme-White-Plus/dp/B000TK3U4O
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Which are you referring to?

 

The PIAA's are good bulbs. This particular one is only 4000K color which is only a little brighter than stock. BUT, it's $40.

These are what I've been getting and they are now $10 for two of them shipped. They are 5,000K which is much brighter and they last about a year - I ride about 20K per year. You can get 6,000K bulbs too which are a bit brighter (and have a bluish tint) but don't last quite as long. Yes, they are cheap and from China but they seem to work fine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARLEY-FXSTD...0dd1db&vxp=mtr

 

I have been running the 80/100 osram/sylvania for for almost 6 yrs. with no problems. Can't see spending hundreds for the new led style.

 

The 4000K, 5000K, and 6000K are not measurements of how bright the lamps are but rather their Kelvin temperature rating. Which has to do with color not intensity.

Carry on