Headlight Bulbs!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
You can't go by months or years. How many miles do you do in a year?
I think I read they only last like 300 hrs & that number is reduced if your like me and ride with high beam on in daylight. I'd like to find something better also but I guess it's a small price to pay for being seen in the daytime.
Mine don't last more than 18-24 mo. also.
I think I read they only last like 300 hrs & that number is reduced if your like me and ride with high beam on in daylight. I'd like to find something better also but I guess it's a small price to pay for being seen in the daytime.
Mine don't last more than 18-24 mo. also.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I've used Hella 80/100W H4 bulbs for the past 14 years or so and have replaced them maybe three times in that period. You can find them here. The additional ~3A of current has not been a problem on my wiring or connectors. I don't know if the 55/60W (stock-spec) variety will give the same result, but normally the higher-output bulbs don't last as long, so I would expect the normal-wattage bulbs to last at least as long as the higher-output bulbs I've been using and probably longer.
For about the past six years I've been running a modulator on the headlight (high-beam only), which I've been told can prolong the life of the bulb. This is because it modulates at 20-100% 4X/sec. during daylight hours, and this reduces heat which kills bulbs.
This is OT, as the OP didn't ask about light output, but E-code (European) headlights provide a much-improved light pattern and "seeing distance" over the stock non-fluted headlights. I replaced mine with these Hella E-code headlights, which represented a great bang-for-the-buck upgrade at only about $33. I would estimate my "seeing distance" on high-beam is double that of the stock lenses, and the low-beam pattern provides a much broader area of coverage.
For about the past six years I've been running a modulator on the headlight (high-beam only), which I've been told can prolong the life of the bulb. This is because it modulates at 20-100% 4X/sec. during daylight hours, and this reduces heat which kills bulbs.
This is OT, as the OP didn't ask about light output, but E-code (European) headlights provide a much-improved light pattern and "seeing distance" over the stock non-fluted headlights. I replaced mine with these Hella E-code headlights, which represented a great bang-for-the-buck upgrade at only about $33. I would estimate my "seeing distance" on high-beam is double that of the stock lenses, and the low-beam pattern provides a much broader area of coverage.
Last edited by iclick; Dec 17, 2009 at 11:48 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 899
Likes: 2
From:
Been using PIAAs - I think I'm getting almost a full season off of them 15-20,000 miles. I know these things are going to give up on me so I carry a spare in the bag all the time.
I have my high beams on all the time - my observation is that driving lights help but the headlight provides the main attention-getter for turning and oncoming traffic. Have a look at oncoming bikes when you are on the road - you can easily tell those with high beams on and they stand out a lot more than low beams - particularly during the day.
I have my high beams on all the time - my observation is that driving lights help but the headlight provides the main attention-getter for turning and oncoming traffic. Have a look at oncoming bikes when you are on the road - you can easily tell those with high beams on and they stand out a lot more than low beams - particularly during the day.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,413
From: OH
I have run PIAA's in my last 3 bikes and have yet to have and issues with them. I have them in all 6 lights in my truck and had them in my last truck as well.
In the bike I run the anti-vibration H4. I had 22k on the one in my last bike. I use the extreme white plus that burns at 4K
http://www.piaa.com/Powersports/bulbs.html
In the bike I run the anti-vibration H4. I had 22k on the one in my last bike. I use the extreme white plus that burns at 4K
http://www.piaa.com/Powersports/bulbs.html
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 773
Likes: 24
From: Findlay, ohio
Silverstar are automobile bulbs, not designed for vibration and shock from motorcycle use.
You need a motorcycle bulb like a PIAA motorcycle bulb that is made to withstand vibrations and shock. I had a set of PIAA bright white bulbs I used on two Harley's for over 4 years and 40,000 miles before I purchased my Goldwing. I plan to use them again if I am crazy enough to get another POS Harley.
DON'T TOUCH THE BULB, clean with alcohol before installing, as mentioned a single fingerprint can reduce the life considerably.
Steve
You need a motorcycle bulb like a PIAA motorcycle bulb that is made to withstand vibrations and shock. I had a set of PIAA bright white bulbs I used on two Harley's for over 4 years and 40,000 miles before I purchased my Goldwing. I plan to use them again if I am crazy enough to get another POS Harley.
DON'T TOUCH THE BULB, clean with alcohol before installing, as mentioned a single fingerprint can reduce the life considerably.
Steve
Lighten up a little!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 1
From: North East Ohio
I have passing lamps also , but you still can't beat a high beam Silverstar or PIAA lamp
someone experience with the
Extreme Xenon Super White H-4 Bulb, 60/55 Watt ,kuryakyn Partnr: 2222
http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/IMID/793
Extreme Xenon Super White H-4 Bulb, 60/55 Watt ,kuryakyn Partnr: 2222
http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/IMID/793