Headlight upgrade
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Headlight upgrade
I went to HID on my roadglide, cost was about $500 due to the fact I needed 2 kits. It is much better light than stock especialy when paired with some fog lights to help fill in the sides. I do recomend it but I have run into 3 problems. 1) radio interference my FM radio is usless. 2)I can't get theHarley garage door opener to work with it. I ended up wirung in a genie remote. 3) Sometimes the one won't fire off and I need to cycle power to it.
I got my kits from Aerostitch (currently $187) but there are more motorcycle kits out there now so shop around. Just make sure it does both low/high beams.
I got my kits from Aerostitch (currently $187) but there are more motorcycle kits out there now so shop around. Just make sure it does both low/high beams.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 13
From: NWFL
RE: Headlight upgrade
Thanks for the info! That's very interesting, i hadn't thought about the electromagnetic interference (EMI). With the voltage level produced by the HID system, that's likely to be a problem for any low power system like garage doors and digital devices.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Headlight upgrade
Try the PIAA Light I put one on my SG and like it alot. It is anti-vib so it dont give up the ghost like the silver star. Go to the Piaa webb site and check it out. I couldn't see spending 500.00 for the HID system plus all the wirirng issues. This a plug and play bulb. Very bright. Check it out and see what you think. Numerous folks are running the silver star H-4 and seem real pleased, however it will fail at some point 6 mon, 1 yr, 2 yr on vibration where the Piaa will not. That was my only determining factor. Both are much brighter than the factory bulb.
Dog
Dog
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 6
From:
RE: Headlight upgrade
I went to PIAA, extreme gtx, it was great on high but less than stock on low, pulled them and put stock back in for now. Look at the candlepower output, stock is 3800 low I think, after putting in the piaas I read they were only 3500 on low.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga, TN
RE: Headlight upgrade
I have been using the PIAA Super White H4 80W/80W in the head light and the Super White 55W H3 in my driving lightsfor years, what a difference in the light output. Very, very bright white light. Blows the Silverstar away!
The PIAA is is a direct replacement motorcycle bulb and is designed for the vibration on a bike, has the same amp draw as a stock light, but puts out a lot more light. It's real close to HID lights.
Check it out>>> http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx?GID=83384A80-EEF4-4C71-97CE-2FD46EB0899F&search=H4%20bulbs&store=All&a mp;page=1
And, no they don't overheat and no they do not overload the wiring. Iwired my driving lights to stay on all the time, and again they do not overload the circuit!!!!!
You won't beleve the light they put out!!!
SteveO
The PIAA is is a direct replacement motorcycle bulb and is designed for the vibration on a bike, has the same amp draw as a stock light, but puts out a lot more light. It's real close to HID lights.
Check it out>>> http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx?GID=83384A80-EEF4-4C71-97CE-2FD46EB0899F&search=H4%20bulbs&store=All&a mp;page=1
And, no they don't overheat and no they do not overload the wiring. Iwired my driving lights to stay on all the time, and again they do not overload the circuit!!!!!
You won't beleve the light they put out!!!
SteveO
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Headlight upgrade
ORIGINAL: jeepster09
A friend of mine put on the dual bulb system and said it was the biggest waste of money he has done to his bike.
A friend of mine put on the dual bulb system and said it was the biggest waste of money he has done to his bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 2
From: USA
RE: Headlight upgrade
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
I agree - the stock reflector on my 2005 RK was by far a better light source - I'll probably put the item up for sale in the future. HID looks like a good idea, but, I don't drive at night unless I have to anyway. Additional flood or driving lights would make a lot of sense if I drove much at night.
ORIGINAL: jeepster09
A friend of mine put on the dual bulb system and said it was the biggest waste of money he has done to his bike.
A friend of mine put on the dual bulb system and said it was the biggest waste of money he has done to his bike.
So I keep the H-3 SilverStars on 24x7 in my passin lamps. With all that light its pissing people off at night.
I'm at least beeing seen.