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Big difference between halogen and HID Xenon bulbs. HID requires a conversion. Blue, suposedly brighter halogens are a farse IMHO. Spend the money and get the HID kit. I did on my wife's car. I plan to on the scoot after my current couple of projects. If they ever end...
I switched from the stock lamp to a Philips MotoVision 9003(h4) lamp a few months ago and what a difference! Much brighter than stock. Will even light up some road signs on a shady road in the daytime and it is great at night.
I considered HID but couldn't justify the cost. The Philips lamp only cost ~$13 at Farm and Fleet (in Waukesha) and since you are in Wisconsin that should work for you. I would think that someone would have them online as well.
Now, if they would just make the 881 running light bulbs the same way I would really be set.
For just a better quality replacment H-4 bulb, I always go with the Sylvania Silver Star bulbs. They will give you more hours of use than stock, and are brighter....noticeably so. I have had friends I ride with ask me when we stopped what type of headlight I am using because it seems so much brighter than theirs.
Just one thing though....NO MATTER what brand bulb (H-4) you go with, make 100% sure you wipe the glass envelope down with a clean tissue and rubbing alcohol. This will remove any dirt or finger prints that may have found their way onto the glass. If not removed before use, the heat produced will concentrate at the dirty spot and cause a failure. I am not sure if the Sylvania or any other brand bulb comes off the line all clean and stuff, but why take a chance? Just clean them all before use, and you will have no problem getting the maximum amount of usable hours out of any H-4.
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