Brighter Headlight Bulb

[dm_gsxr]

This is the second time the bulb's gone out on me. I'd like to replace it with a brighter one without actually stepping up into HID. Any suggestions for good replacement bulbs?

The local dealer, which doesn't seem to have anything in stock, says it'll take at least a week before they can get a replacement bulb. I figure it'll take that long if I order from on-line.

Any pointers would be helpful. (FYI, I did do a search in the forums and on Google but nothing jumped out as an answer.)

Thanks.

Carl

 

[mzrsq]

HID..........it's the only suggestion I have.........did it this weekend.............simple install..........and bright.

 

[#cruncherbusa]

Second time? Are you putting this in with bare hands? That's a no-no. As far as bulbs, I'm with mzrsq on this one

 

[eynlai]

An alternative for now is the Philips Xtra bulbs. You should be able to find it in any auto part store. You can try the Sylvania WhiteStar, but I had those burn out on me in about 4 months. Definitely brighter than the standard bulbs.

 

[dm_gsxr]

Second time? Are you putting this in with bare hands? That's a no-no. As far as bulbs, I'm with mzrsq on this one

Nope, very careful with the bulbs. It seems to happen when I pull the bike out of the cold garage and it's a little warmer/humid outside.

Carl

 

[dm_gsxr]

An alternative for now is the Philips Xtra bulbs. You should be able to find it in any auto part store. You can try the Sylvania WhiteStar, but I had those burn out on me in about 4 months. Definitely brighter than the standard bulbs.

Ok thanks. I'm looking at the HID but after convincing my wife to let me get a 'stitch, another 160 bucks for a light bulb might not go over very well

Thanks again.

Carl

 

[busahaya]

HID is the best bet, it's worth every penny

 

[DREW]

I did the H.I.D. conversion. Its the only thing I would recommend.

 

[dudewizr]

I just changed bulbs and went up about another 25watts in each bulb, haven't put things back together to see how it works yet. I'll let ya know. paid $15.99 and $24.99 for them.

 

[eynlai]

throw in the "safety" spin to your wife about the HID... which it really is. She might then increase your lunch money for that week so you can get it. I'm looking at getting it myself. Only hold back is the modification that I would have to deal with. I'm not filthy rich (maybe just filthy), but money isn't a factor for me, no wife, only a GF.

 

[Ride_or_Fish]

Be sure that the bulb harness is clean and holds the bulb prongs snuggly (is that a word?). Any play in there will fatigue the bulb prematurely. Also stay away from cheap xenon bulbs - they may burn up the harness/wires and not last very long.

 

[DAB]

From what I've read on this board and other places (and someone correct me if I'm wrong here) upgrading to brighter bulbs of the halogen variety risks melting the bulb mount and the wiring (hotter, draws more current etc.)

The double-benefit with HID is that it's much brighter yet it consumes less power. I'm still trying to get over the price difference however, so I haven't fitted one yet. Everyone who has states it's worth doing.

 

[TruWrecks]

Silverstar bulbs. They're 10% to 15% brighter than stock, but not a bright as HID.

 

[manatrader]

Who has a true HID system for a motorcycle for under $500? I do not want to knock anyone but a true HID system is very expensive, since it runs on a totally different power system and the light is much hotter. I’m not sure how it would work on a motorcycle. I have them in my car and they are much brighter and would like to have them on a bike. I have done some searches online and can not find a true HID system for a bike, lots of fakes out there. You need a converter to change the power then you most likely will have to install new wiring from the converter to your headlights and you have to find a location to put that big power converter too, about the size of a PCIII.
Watch your dollar on this one and read consumer reports the cheap silver stars out performed the PIAA bulb and it’s not HID unless you change out the whole system everything that has to do with your headlight. Remember do not touch any of the H series bulbs, the oils on your skin will cause them to burn out quicker.

 

[PsychoZ]

hey manatrader, the one XENONKING sells is a true HID and it costs $160, it has the ballist and the ignitor boxes, and if you get the right one it has no blue or yellow tint to it. and not all "true" HID kits are as expensive as you think

 

[nitrousjunkie]

HID's are the only way to go, you'll have no problems with the install either, just take your time.You definitely will have no yellowish tint any longer with the HID's. Super bright and super white!

 

[shenoyp]

HID is the way to go. Got my kit yesterday... goigng to do the installation tomorrow

 

[shenoyp]

...Oh yeah, forgot to say this... "The Stock lights on the Hayabusa are no good"

Thats the only thing that I have not liked about this machine