aftermarket headlight bulbs

[plazma]

to the all knowing ones

since discovering that i have more juice to play with, maybe?? i have been looking online for some aftermarket bulbs, hella, piaa that kinda thing. i searched multiple topics and couldn't find anything, and im sure that it has been discussed, so i apologize in advance if this is old news.

my interest is to bump up the stock bulb with a higher wattage.

is this too excessive for the harness/socket?? for those that have tried does the stock wattage piaa extreme white(for example) actually provide better light?? they say output of 100/60 with 60/55 input

i saw a hella bulb (for off road use) 100/55 and 100/80 is this too much??

i dont normally run any extra electrics so power consumption is not so much an issue for me.

ill admit im not a electrical guru, so i ask those that are, to please enlighten me

would consider hid, but if i can get what i want with just swapping a bulb and cheaper too.

is the hid self buy still available??

thanks in advance

tony

 

[GunMD]

I have a brand new set of HIDs I'll sell you for what I paid for them. PM me for more info.

 

[Warchild]

Running 100+ watts H4 bulbs in your FJR is asking for eventual trouble.

The alternator can certainly handle it (assuming you have no additional loads), but it''s the wire harness and connectors that will rebel over time. The circuit was designed for using 55/60-watt H4s; using a 100 -watt (or higher) bulb would put out excessive heat, causing Bad Things to eventually happen to the connector and harness. Trust me.

If you're going to stay with halogen, the Philips "Vision Plus" and the Sylvania "Silverstars" are your best choices. I would avoid the PIAA "Xtreme White", as these bulbs are usually "overdriven" and thus have abbreviated lifespans compared to the others

 

[FJRocket]

SilverStars!!!!!!

Warchild is the man. He knows.

PowerBulbs UK

This is a good place to get a pair of these bulbs (or others). Shipped anywhere in the world. Even with the exchange rate, probably a bunch cheaper than you can get them domestically. Also reported to be better manufactured (in Europe) than the ones we have here. Don't know if that's true. I've ordered from these guys twice and not been disappointed.

 

[Groo]

Thanks for the link Rocket... I'd been meaning to order a set of those bulbs to see the difference for myself. Always nice to have a dependable supplier!

 

[FJRocket]

Oh, the Stars are much better than stock. I did originally swap to the Xtreme Whites, and WC is right. They were toast in a couple K miles. Sweet color and wicked bright, though, while they lasted.

Trying to decide whether to swap the HIDS to the '06, or just put in the SS's. The HIDs are awesome on low and the cool factor is high. But as high beams, well, they just don't cut it. So for the WFO ride, I think I may just go halogen.

 

[FJRMGM]

+1 to the Silverstars. I use the 9003-ST bulbs in mine and have for about 1.5 years now.

They have a much wider beam pattern on low beam and the light is noticebly whiter.

They aren't HID but for $38/pair at Wally World they are a worthwhile improvement.

I ride to work in the dark each morning and they make it easier. Git some...

 

[radman]

I'm running the PIAA Extremes, and noticed an improvement over the Phillips I'd had in there. But they are extremely expensive-had I not gotten them for free (long story) I would not think the improvement was worth it. And agree that higher wattage output (the 100 watt) generally don't do well as they tend to overpower the reflector, they put out more light but not necessarily as much useable light as one might think-at least thats been my experience. The addition of auxiliary lamps willprovide the biggest improvement, using the search function will provide reams of relevant info.

 

[plazma]

thanks for the replies guys, and the link rocket.

that was exactly the responses i was looking for. i thought that the 100's would do some ugly eventually just seemed like to much draw. i do have silverstars in my cage, they are quite nicer than stock, think ill give them a try, if they dont work guess ill have to go the hid/aux driving light setup, as i do alot of nighttime/ dark driving and down in these parts... plenty of forest critters around.

happy trails

tony

 

[Bounce]

Been running Philips Vision +50% bulbs in my '03 for about 2 or 3 years now. Very happy with them.

One source is Murph's (https://www.murphskits.com/light.htm)

 

[yamahlr]

Another unbiased vote for the Silverstars. They now go in every bike I buy. Very good product. Just make sure you don't touch the bulb w/ bare hands, reportedly shortens the bulb life.

 

[FJRandy]

Plazma, here's the real deal. You CAN run the 100w bulbs BUT..... you have to run an aux wiring harness powered by separate relays connected directly to the battery. Contrary to poular belief, the extra 35 watts will do diddly to the reflector. Trouble will start when you get to doubling the stock wattage, and only in the form of excessive heat on the plastic. If heavy ga wiring isn't used it WILL, however, eventually burn up your stock wiring. Run two relays with 12 ga wiring and you'll be a happy man.

I just did this setup for someone ans so far so good. About 2 months so far, and they love the extra light. FAR less than an HID conversion for sure.

Although I'll be the first to say......if you gots the cash, go for the HID's. Nothing beats THAT setup.