View Full Version : Changed Out the Headlight Bulb
beezer
09-06-2007, 08:08 PM
Living by the Poconos, there are alot of backroads and deer. The factory bulb didn't make it at 55/60w so I upped it to 80/100w. OMG, what a difference http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
blowndodge
09-06-2007, 08:10 PM
I changed mine out last year to the Wagner 80/100 and your right! Major difference!
I wen t with the Sylvania H4-ST... lot brighter white... but same wattage..
Scoot
09-06-2007, 08:16 PM
I wen t with the Sylvania H4-ST... lot brighter white... but same wattage..
Same here Nico big difference
blowndodge
09-06-2007, 08:18 PM
I heard those bulbs were prone to crashing????? LOL
beezer
09-06-2007, 08:20 PM
I changed mine out last year to the Wagner 80/100 and your right! Major difference!
Yup, that's the one.
dogdoc
09-06-2007, 08:25 PM
can you use this hotter headlight bulb AND spots like on the Cobra(30W) each w/o blowing fuses???
Doc
I changed mine out last year to the Wagner 80/100 and your right! Major difference!
No issue's with it BD????....I may give that a try
BP1210/H4????
Read this guys...... Gadget recommends going to a 15a fuse....with the higher W bulb...
http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlight_replacement.htm
beezer
09-06-2007, 08:30 PM
[quote:n88a1nt5]I changed mine out last year to the Wagner 80/100 and your right! Major difference!
No issue's with it BD????....I may give that a try
BP1210/H4????[/quote:n88a1nt5]
That's it.
beezer
09-06-2007, 08:32 PM
Read this guys...... Gadget recomments going to a 15a fuse....with the higher W bulb...
http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlight_replacement.htm
I read another thread about this and no one mentioned a 15a fuse. All happy campers from what I see.
I think I'm buying one tomorrow and trying...since I put the bullet spots on the front, the main H/L look dim during the day and even somewhat at night............I had read some other messages that said these burned out more frequently .... but if everyone else has had good luck......
I think I'm buying one tomorrow and trying...since I put the bullet spots on the front, the main H/L look dim during the day and even somewhat at night............I had read some other messages that said these burned out more frequently .... but if everyone else has had good luck......
Todd... you going 100W or the H4-ST?
Well, still debating......since I have the "white" driving lights...I think the ST's would be the better option...whadaya think??
That's what I did..... spots are still just very slightly brighter... but it fits in ok! The stock bulb was "yellow"... and this one isn't "blue"... it's "white" white!
gonna try that first I think .......
You'll be way happy!
Got mine at AutoZone.. $20
Cool...got one up the road!! Thanks
blowndodge
09-07-2007, 12:01 AM
AND THE LORD SAID UNTO THEE, THOU SHAL NOT COVETED THY NEIGHBORS 80/100 HEADLIGHT BULB ON SAME CIRCUIT AS SPOTLIGHTS REGARDLESS OF SAID FUSE. LEAST YE COMMIT SIN TO THYNE WIRING.
Top Cat
09-07-2007, 05:07 AM
Hey Guys, I have my Cobra light bar on a seperate circut. If I change to one of these bulbs in the headlight do I need to up the fuse to 15? Thank You for the help :)
I changed from 30 watt in Cobra light bar to 55. Put in 15 amp fuse and have been fine. Looks like 747 landing lights from a distance. I love it. May be a bit bright for oncomers but thats the way I like it. Uh huh Uh huh I like it.
AND THE LORD SAID UNTO THEE, THOU SHAL NOT COVETED THY NEIGHBORS 80/100 HEADLIGHT BULB ON SAME CIRCUIT AS SPOTLIGHTS REGARDLESS OF SAID FUSE. LEAST YE COMMIT SIN TO THYNE WIRING.
Put my spots on separate circuit also......headed to the AutoZone!!!
AND THE LORD SAID UNTO THEE, THOU SHAL NOT COVETED THY NEIGHBORS 80/100 HEADLIGHT BULB ON SAME CIRCUIT AS SPOTLIGHTS REGARDLESS OF SAID FUSE. LEAST YE COMMIT SIN TO THYNE WIRING.
And the children of the KawaGods wandered about the autozone wilderness (thankfully for less than 40 years) before crossing over into the promised land of greater visibility. . . .
scion0
09-07-2007, 08:18 AM
I put the same wattage ST one in mine last night and went for a ride... I thought it was a major improvement. Seems to spread it out better. Also, is there a max wattage as far as the law of the land (Illinois law?)
scion0
09-07-2007, 08:19 AM
I put the same wattage ST one in mine last night and went for a ride... I thought it was a major improvement. Seems to spread it out better. Also, is there a max wattage as far as the law of the land (Illinois law?)
I think it was the 9003ST ... very white!!
scion0
09-07-2007, 09:00 AM
[quote:s4i4iz7f]AND THE LORD SAID UNTO THEE, THOU SHAL NOT COVETED THY NEIGHBORS 80/100 HEADLIGHT BULB ON SAME CIRCUIT AS SPOTLIGHTS REGARDLESS OF SAID FUSE. LEAST YE COMMIT SIN TO THYNE WIRING.
And the children of the KawaGods wandered about the autozone wilderness (thankfully for less than 40 years) before crossing over into the promised land of greater visibility. . . .[/quote:s4i4iz7f]
Wow, you guys either, are very smart, creative, or just have too much time on your hands. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif ;) :) http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif
blowndodge
09-07-2007, 09:57 AM
Federal law I believe mandates a 55/60 watt max. I don't worry about the "light bulb police" pulling me over, Unless I'm riding with Nico. Bad Luck Schleprock!
scion0
09-07-2007, 10:02 AM
Federal law I believe mandates a 55/60 watt max. I don't worry about the "light bulb police" pulling me over, Unless I'm riding with Nico. Bad Luck Schleprock!
Ah ok, so the " light bulb police " don't make that much of an issue over the light issues then... the brighter the better I feel. Took my first true night run the other night out in the middle of no lights land... and man o man, was it ever dark... spooky in fact... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif So brighter may be in my future (that is what my Mom always wanted anyway! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif)
Bad Luck Schleprock!
BD and Nico (Bad Luck Schleprock)
http://bedrock.deadsquid.com/img/other/people/uncle_tex.gif
I'm getting complex here..... I'm gonna be that rider that pulls up the rear.... instead of the maniac out in front of everyone....... maybe not so bad.... I'll actually get to see the scenery for once!!! lol
[quote:cgliyu1n]Federal law I believe mandates a 55/60 watt max. I don't worry about the "light bulb police" pulling me over, Unless I'm riding with Nico. Bad Luck Schleprock!
Ah ok, so the " light bulb police " don't make that much of an issue over the light issues then... the brighter the better I feel. Took my first true night run the other night out in the middle of no lights land... and man o man, was it ever dark... spooky in fact... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif So brighter may be in my future (that is what my Mom always wanted anyway! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif)[/quote:cgliyu1n]
If you get written up for that....you probably already have done many many other things to bring attention to yourself.......I would be concerned with going TOO high due the heat generation....but the 80/100 should be fine as evident by all the ones that have made that change.
[quote:qmmgx2d5]Federal law I believe mandates a 55/60 watt max. I don't worry about the "light bulb police" pulling me over, Unless I'm riding with Nico. Bad Luck Schleprock!
Ah ok, so the " light bulb police " don't make that much of an issue over the light issues then... the brighter the better I feel. Took my first true night run the other night out in the middle of no lights land... and man o man, was it ever dark... spooky in fact... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif So brighter may be in my future (that is what my Mom always wanted anyway! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif)[/quote:qmmgx2d5]
A lot of guys routinely ride with they're brights on and never get pulled over..... that is another option.... use your brights and just adjust them a little lower!! Cheap alternative... I did that for a while...
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u272/DrNickDC/NomadFront.jpg
http://www.gadgetjq.com/kirks_lightbar_mod.htm
socwkbiker
09-07-2007, 10:32 AM
Spoke with the guys in service at the dealership where I got my bike. Was told that there should be no problem putting in a brighter bulb since they route the lightbar lights through an auxilliary.
scion0
09-07-2007, 11:44 AM
[quote:owai6d8d]
Ah ok, so the " light bulb police " don't make that much of an issue over the light issues then... the brighter the better I feel. Took my first true night run the other night out in the middle of no lights land... and man o man, was it ever dark... spooky in fact... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif So brighter may be in my future (that is what my Mom always wanted anyway! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif)
A lot of guys routinely ride with they're brights on and never get pulled over..... that is another option.... use your brights and just adjust them a little lower!! Cheap alternative... I did that for a while...[/quote:owai6d8d]
That's an idea, since I just put 20 bucks into the new white light... Thanks, I'll give that one a shot....
scion0
09-07-2007, 11:45 AM
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u272/DrNickDC/NomadFront.jpg
Nice pic Nico, thanks... I see you showed your right side. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif ;)
I'm one of those that always ride with the brights on. I mostly ride during the day. They must not be too bright because even at night I very, very rarely get flashed.
scion0
09-07-2007, 04:15 PM
I know I will give it a try for a while and see if I get flashed... (now BD and Nico, don't go thinking that!)
beezer
09-08-2007, 06:38 PM
Well, still debating......since I have the "white" driving lights...I think the ST's would be the better option...whadaya think??
sure todd. it would be like the carpet not matching the drapes ;)
bluetongue
09-08-2007, 08:12 PM
The only problem with going with the higher wattage bulb is the heat generated I have read several post on other forums about guys having melted plugs a few months after switching to the higher wattage bulbs. I have also read there is a higher heat resistant plug you can install to repair this problem.
Idaho
09-08-2007, 09:08 PM
I bought the Wagner 80/100 yesterday and installed it. Stayed too long at a friends house, he just bought a VN2000 Classic (what a monster of a bike) anyway I had to ride home in the dark. WOW what a change. Got home and grabbed a screwdriver to adjust the headlamp. It is so bright and casts such a sharp line that it was very dark outside of the reach of the lamp. Gradually worked it up as far as I dare without blinding oncoming traffic. At last, a MC headlamp that allows me to see like I do in my Bronco. LOTS of visibility now. Oh, the bulb cost me $10.50 with my employee discount at NAPA Auto parts.
IDaho
scion0
09-08-2007, 10:53 PM
Still haven't had a chance to ride out in the totally dark country yet but I do like the improved night driving in the city with the super white (ST) bulb.
socwkbiker
09-09-2007, 09:41 PM
Can't wait to take a night ride. After I installed the new light I made the mistake of looking at the damn thing. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
[quote:v0hb7jtq]Well, still debating......since I have the "white" driving lights...I think the ST's would be the better option...whadaya think??
sure todd. it would be like the carpet not matching the drapes ;)[/quote:v0hb7jtq]
I used to date a girl like that http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif....still have not done the install...was away all weekend
ccmjr77
09-10-2007, 11:20 AM
I have the VA light bar and with the 35W spots, they are brighter than the stock headlight. I will replace the head when it blows with something brighter, but everybody that rides ahead of me says the spots are real bright.
Put the ST in today finally and went down the road tonight for a little test run.....I can't say it's brighter but definitely much better visibility with the white light. It does seem to cast a wider path, I guess its just the tint of the light. Anyway, very nice addition for $20 bucks and 5 mins to install. Actually had a guy walking on the side of the road shielding his eyes when I had it on high beam...That means they will all notice me ;)
dogdoc
09-17-2007, 08:44 PM
They say if you have the 30 watt spots to NOT add the higher watt headlight it will blow your fuses?
scion0
09-17-2007, 09:07 PM
Put the ST in today finally and went down the road tonight for a little test run.....I can't say it's brighter but definitely much better visibility with the white light. It does seem to cast a wider path, I guess its just the tint of the light. Anyway, very nice addition for $20 bucks and 5 mins to install. Actually had a guy walking on the side of the road shielding his eyes when I had it on high beam...That means they will all notice me ;)
I agree, I really like my STs for the way it shines, but it does make me wonder about the 80/100 watt ST... http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
scion0
09-17-2007, 09:08 PM
Still haven't had a chance to ride out in the totally dark country yet but I do like the improved night driving in the city with the super white (ST) bulb.
I have taken the bike out in the dark and now http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif love it!
scion0
09-17-2007, 09:10 PM
They say if you have the 30 watt spots to NOT add the higher watt headlight it will blow your fuses?
I thought when adding light bars and such that we always wired them separately with a fuse and/or switch.
Makes sense to me...
They say if you have the 30 watt spots to NOT add the higher watt headlight it will blow your fuses?
That would be true probably if you ran your spots off of the same circuit as the H/L. I always use a relay and isolate the separate circuits so my spots are on a circuit by themselves...I've got plenty of room left for higher wattage on the H/L if needed.
[quote:u4bcbwpm]They say if you have the 30 watt spots to NOT add the higher watt headlight it will blow your fuses?
I thought when adding light bars and such that we always wired them separately with a fuse and/or switch.
Makes sense to me... [/quote:u4bcbwpm]
Some don't do it that way and just run off the same circuit as the Headlamp....I don't think its the greatest idea but each to his own ;)
Isn't it great to able to see? I'm half night-blind anyway!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
beezer
09-18-2007, 04:08 AM
Isn't it great to able to see? I'm half night-blind anyway!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
That may be from not wearing sunglasses enuf. It takes away your night vision.
Isn't it great to able to see? I'm half night-blind anyway!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
Me too Nico. Looking forward to mounting a sidecar and teaching my seeing eye dog to drive!
<marquee> http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif</marquee>
Isn't it great to able to see? I'm half night-blind anyway!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
<marquee>You bet..... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif</marquee>
dogdoc
09-18-2007, 02:05 PM
You follow Cobras directions they wire spots up with exisitng circuits not all by themselves.
scion0
09-18-2007, 04:15 PM
Well, still debating......since I have the "white" driving lights...I think the ST's would be the better option...whadaya think??
I like the STs and would love to try a higher wattage model.
scion0
09-24-2007, 08:34 AM
What was the part number for the higher wattage bulbs again? (80/100 ST)
http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlight_replacement.htm
:)
Idaho
09-24-2007, 09:08 PM
Have ridden my bike a lot with the new 100/80 watt bulb. It is just like the headlights on the Bronco and with it on low beam, which is still very bright, I have not had oncoming traffic flash me. Boy am I a happy camper, rider, whatever.
Idaho
I just ordered one. It should be in tomorrow or Wednesday. Can't wait to try it out.
scion0
09-24-2007, 10:04 PM
http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlight_replacement.htm
:)
Thanks Nico, I knew I had seen it (recently :-() A smite for your troubles!
hollywood
09-25-2007, 11:47 AM
My mechanic says the trick to changing out those bulbs and having them last is to NEVER touch them with bare finger tips. Something about the oil and sweat on you hands causes them to go bad. I have had one in mine for over a year and no problems
scion0
09-25-2007, 11:51 AM
My mechanic says the trick to changing out those bulbs and having them last is to NEVER touch them with bare finger tips. Something about the oil and sweat on you hands causes them to go bad. I have had one in mine for over a year and no problems
I've always heard that as well, so I treat them with kid gloves and clean with alcohol (that almost pure stuff - not moonshine like my Uncle makes in TN http://s2.images.proboards.com/lipsrsealed.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif)
Eppic2
04-03-2015, 09:53 PM
Spoke with the guys in service at the dealership where I got my bike. Was told that there should be no problem putting in a brighter bulb since they route the lightbar lights through an auxilliary.
Hey Jeff, I have ordered the PB1210/H4 bulb for my '04, 1500. All my front lights-main and signals are stock and I have no after market bar. I don't know anything about electronics, so do you know if my orig. setup for the main headlight has its own circuit?. What do I look for to find out? I know I am changing topic a bit, BUT...I am also very interested in applying a set of (self adhesive) black framed Kuryakin rear fender strip lights to my bike for more visibility at night. Know of anyone who has done this and likes it? check it out...
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/rear-fender-strip-lights-chrome-harley-davidson-touring-softail-models-w-full-length-rear-fenders/part/KY-7758
HwyRider
04-03-2015, 10:29 PM
He hasn't been on the site since 2013. This is a really old post.
kerrymurf
04-04-2015, 01:00 AM
I've been running the 80/100 headlight bulb for years with no problems. Sure it's much brighter at night, but another advantage is that you can be seen better during the day. I always run my high beam during the day, and a couple of years ago I added a headlight pulsator for even better visability during the day.
Eppic2
04-04-2015, 12:51 PM
He hasn't been on the site since 2013. This is a really old post.
Thanks Hwyrider...thought I would try...Maybe I can leave you or anyone else with this query: Does the original stock, front lighting on my 04' Nomad come with the head lamp set up on its own circuit? If so, I can safely put in a BP1210/H4 bulb without putting in a larger amp fuse and not worrying about added amps (according to gadgetjq). I appreciate any help on this. Thanks.
HwyRider
04-04-2015, 01:03 PM
If you have a light bar running off of the headlight circuit you would have to move it to it's own circuit. Otherwise you should be fine.
Eppic2
04-05-2015, 10:50 PM
If you have a light bar running off of the headlight circuit you would have to move it to it's own circuit. Otherwise you should be fine.
Thanks Hwyrider and Happy Easter btw. I will have a look at my wiring with a fellow 06' Nomad owner to see if we can determine the connection status. He is going to check his bike shop manual and see if that tells us anything. I would assume the 06' would be wired no differently?
rick6375
04-06-2015, 02:01 PM
Thanks Hwyrider...thought I would try...Maybe I can leave you or anyone else with this query: Does the original stock, front lighting on my 04' Nomad come with the head lamp set up on its own circuit? If so, I can safely put in a BP1210/H4 bulb without putting in a larger amp fuse and not worrying about added amps (according to gadgetjq). I appreciate any help on this. Thanks.
I would be concerned about using a higher amp fuse, without going up a size in the wire also.
Texas nomad
04-06-2015, 06:18 PM
As many of you know, I work the streets of KC as an officer. The last thing I'm worried about are someone's bike lamp... I've been hurt from a bike wreck... I'd rather see the rider, than have someone hit them because they weren't visible. I ride with my hi-beams on during the day. I'll have to try this mod....
Eppic2
04-07-2015, 12:35 AM
I would be concerned about using a higher amp fuse, without going up a size in the wire also.
Good caution Rick...I'll keep that in mind. Thanks
Zeineth
04-14-2015, 03:49 PM
Good caution Rick...I'll keep that in mind. Thanks
You want bright headlights and driving lights?
Try these out. just put them in my 2014 Voyager headlight and driving lights. Holly crap!!
LED Headlight bulb (http://canadiancruisercustomizing.com/products/afterburner-led-headlight-direct-replacment-lamps)
GC1218
04-15-2015, 01:05 PM
Zeineth, where they just plug and play or did you have to modify anything?
VulcanE
04-15-2015, 04:01 PM
Last week I replaced my HID headlight bulb with one of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/H4-9003-40w-Motorcycle-Bike-3600LM-CREE-LED-HeadLight-H-L-Head-Beam-bulb-White-/271812682802?hash=item3f494c6432 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/H4-9003-40w-Motorcycle-Bike-3600LM-CREE-LED-HeadLight-H-L-Head-Beam-bulb-White-/271812682802?hash=item3f494c6432)and now the light is the same color as my sun spot passing lamps, and to quote Zenith, "Holly crap!!" It does put out that much more light.
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