Headlight bulb recommendations

[explainervideocost]

HELLO,

I have tried all kinds of headlight bulbs and they all fail in a short time.

Now,I know the FJR is fast enough to run down tachyon particles and that all those photons, being unable to escape, will plug up the filament and cause premature failure. But, there have to be better ones than others, right?

please help.
Thanks.

I didn't get the right answer from the internet.
References:
https://www.fjriders.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2116
- Animated video explainers Examples

 

[Ludwig61]

I'm going to be trying out Evitek G6 bulbs. They are LED that have the proper structure to mimic H4 bulbs. LEDs should last longer...

 

[SmashVol]

Must have read the same stuff I have as that is the one I will get here soon!

 

[Ndv21]

Any update on how the evitek LEDs are doing?

 

[Ludwig61]

I'm happy with mine. I didn't do anything sophisticated, like install one on one side and an incandescent on the other for a comparison. And I don't really like cool white lights like this, but I do believe I am more visible to oncoming traffic with that tint.

The low beam LEDs also project slightly above the cup. The incandescent wire is level with the top of the cup. I think this creates a slight line of light above the desired cut off. Not enough to bother drivers. But enough to light up reflective signs. There is an interesting not-as-well-lit section relatively close and in the center. Doesn't bother me.

The high beam is pretty solid - no dark areas I'm noticing.

I wear ear plugs when riding. I never hear the fans.

I'd do it again. Of course I chose the "half price slow boat from China" version. If I'd paid twice that, I'd still be content, but just marginally.

 

[Uncle Hud]

This is actually valuable information, and shouldn't be here in the "Noob Section".

Look around a little and make sure you post in an appropriate section so later readers will be able to benefit from your experience.

Thanks for your contribution!

Uncle Hud

 

[Bounce]

This was posted in the new members' meet-and-greet sections. I'll copy it to a tech section with the same name and the discussion can go from there.

 

[RossKean]

LEDs should last a very long time. For incandescent bulbs, the cheaper they are, the longer they last!!! The so-called high output premium bulbs (EXPENSIVE) might only last a few months whereas I tend to get a couple of seasons out of store-brand bulbs. The light from the premium bulbs is much better but I don't do a lot of riding at night - more because of critters than an aversion to the dark.

 

[its just rain]

I got 50,000 miles out my OEMs, put the same back in. What a pain to get the 1st in, 2nd was a breeze....practice.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

I ran every kind of bulb available in my BMW. None lasted very long. I had bulbs burn out almost monthly. My 2014 FJR is still in factory bulbs at over 60,000 miles. Im replacing them with whatever is in there now.

 

[redneckj]

If you are looking for bright, these are your bulbs. The bulbs also come with different spacers to give you the best beam pattern on your bike. (makes the bulb beam pattern tunable)

https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/7000-Lumen-H4-LED-Headlight-Bulb_p_169.html

If you would like to stay with a halogen bulb, the IPF Fatboy H4 bulb is a great choice.

https://www.quadratec.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_zoomed/public/product_images/IPF_4X42_Fatboy_II_Super_Clear_H4_Bulbs.jpg

 

[eflyguy]

Since I tried the SYLVANIA SilverStar Ultra, it's the only halogen bulb I buy. I've never had one fail.

 

[RossKean]

Since I tried the SYLVANIA SilverStar Ultra, it's the only halogen bulb I buy. I've never had one fail.

How many miles on them? I got close to 70,000 miles on the OEM. Probably less than half that on "premium" bulbs of any sort I've tried in cars or bikes over the years. As little as 20,000 miles - don't remember the brand.

 

[eflyguy]

I think my truck would be the longest at about 45-50k - I replaced the headlight assemblies with projector/LED, and those H4 bulbs are now in my GF's Sequoia.

 

[FTL900]

I'm not spending $20 or more on an H4 headlight bulb. I buy dirt cheap H4 bulbs on ebay from China, and I've had really good luck with them. These are $1.20 each, I just put one in my FJR last night. I've been using these in cars, trucks, and bikes for 3 or 4 years now, I always order a pair so I have a spare or two around the garage. It's slightly bluish, or at least whiter than the one that was in it with a warmer tint. I can tell the difference because I only changed one bulb in my FJR. I think I actually burned one of these out last month, my ZRX lost low beam and then high beam a few days later, and that bulb has been in there well over 2 years.

When I first bought these, my motorcycle mechanic buddy said they'd burn out within weeks, or turn brownish and dim, and neither has happened, and now he's buying them too. There's no point in paying a horrible markup just to get this in prettier packaging at an auto parts store.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/H4-9003-6000K-12V-55W-P43T-Halogen-Headlights-High-Low-Beam-Light-Xenon-Bulbs-1/391837167060?hash=item5b3b50add4:g:ryQAAOSw0TxZZKaa

 

[rbentnail]

I've never had any luck with Silverstars, they lasted less than 4 months in the bike and only 2 months in the f150.

I use Sylvania X-tra vision bulbs. Better light IMHO than OEM, not expensive, available at Advance and Auto Zone for purchase, last about 3 yrs on the bike.

 

[eflyguy]

Very strange.. shows how there really isn't one "best" of anything..

 

[FTL900]

Very strange.. shows how there really isn't one "best" of anything..

...and that's why I buy the cheap ones.

Are you coming to our June 2018 Ride the Rockies?? There's a guy in Smyrna you may be able to pool resources with.

 

[900gc]

Osram Night breaker Unlimited. Shorter life but throw a well controlled beam and are definitely brighter and light up the road better than standard bulbs. Replaced my old NB+ bulbs with these with over 400 hrs. on them. They were still burning but considered it preemptive maintenance to change them at about 400 hrs. I commute at night and depending on the time of year, it's dark going home in the morning too. Good bulbs along with Aux. lighting are essential to me.

You really need controlled, objective light tunnel testing to find the 'best' bulbs which is why I like this site: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/76760/best-car-headlight-bulbs-group-test