bulbs for lights
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
there are all kinds of threads on guys burning up switches, wiring and lamp connectors with ultra-high watt bulbs.
- on older models the lights run through the ign switch and too much current would damage the switch...incl. ignition function
If you go ultra high, you'll want to add new wiring and relays to control the current and keep the stock wiring from burning up.
- on my evo I ran 90/115 headlight in a Hella E Code and 2 x 55 spots w/ the H-D halogen kit
on my 09 I am actually quite satisfied with the optics of the stock reflectors- I use high quality sylvania or philips bulbs
color temperature makes a difference and for me too 'blue' a color takes out contrast and depth
* "watts" is a measurement of power demand, not light output ( Lumens) there is not always a direct relationship between how much power the bulb uses and how much light it puts out
mike
- on older models the lights run through the ign switch and too much current would damage the switch...incl. ignition function
If you go ultra high, you'll want to add new wiring and relays to control the current and keep the stock wiring from burning up.
- on my evo I ran 90/115 headlight in a Hella E Code and 2 x 55 spots w/ the H-D halogen kit
on my 09 I am actually quite satisfied with the optics of the stock reflectors- I use high quality sylvania or philips bulbs
color temperature makes a difference and for me too 'blue' a color takes out contrast and depth
* "watts" is a measurement of power demand, not light output ( Lumens) there is not always a direct relationship between how much power the bulb uses and how much light it puts out
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; May 8, 2013 at 12:02 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I'd go with LEDs from Custom Dynamics. Expensive? Yes, but they dont burn out, are super bright, and are plug and play. My riding buddies are constantly commenting on how bright they are.
Whats the cost of not being seen?
Whats the cost of not being seen?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
From: Rescue, VA
They make some good high power H4 bulbs, like the Osram Rallye 70/65. If you do this, consider a wiring harness from Eastern Beaver. This allows full current relay controlled, direct from the battery. I am using the Osrams on my Road Glide. Forget all that blue bullshit and PIAA hype.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i bought these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-60-55w-H...item4d09503b43
been using them since september and still working great. they are a higher temp, but not so high as to appear blue. they are the same wattage rating as the originals, but put out a much better light. hell for less than $10, how can you go wrong?
been using them since september and still working great. they are a higher temp, but not so high as to appear blue. they are the same wattage rating as the originals, but put out a much better light. hell for less than $10, how can you go wrong?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Go to your local NAPA store and get a Wagner BP1210/H4 100/80 bulb and a Baklite headlight plug. Snip the cheapo stock headlight plug off and attach the Baklite one and it will never burn up and it's easier to remove from the bulb then the stock one. Your have maybe $25 in parts and your get the brightness you want.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 1
From: Southeast WI
You must have spent a good amount of coin to buy such a nice bike. Don't be cheap with your mods.....it lessens the quality of the bike. Not trying to be disrespectful, just my opinion. I went with a previous version of the Truck Lite headlight and passing lamps and I love them. I get positive comments wherever I go, especially about how easy I am to see coming down the road. Well worth the money and they should last for years and years. All plug-and-play.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: anacoco, la
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