Want to replaced headlight bulb

jdot1981 · Sep 7, 2015

What the title says. I don't want to do any sort of fancy HID sort of conversion. In my experience with other cars and bikes, simply replacing the bulb can make a large enough difference. I'm not a fan of HIDs in fog or inclement weather either. Anyone have any recommendations?

On my first time on the bike, riding it back on a long ride, I got to ride at night and in a lightning/rain storm. I won't say the headlight was the worst... but I certainly wasn't impressed. The high beam didn't impress either.

Thanks in advance!

RSL · Sep 7, 2015

Link: http://hyperstrada.com/ducati-hyperstrada/2756-t-rex-sliders-tankbag-small-tail-bag-2.html

jdot1981 · Sep 7, 2015

pardon?

RSL · Sep 7, 2015

I posted the link to the thread where I show the LED headlight I used.

jdot1981 · Sep 7, 2015

My apologies. I did not realize it was a link! Thanks!

appliance821 · Sep 7, 2015

Interesting link - how was one to know?

I'm not sure putting in a high power led headlight is the answer. One issue is the cut off, the other is that in bad weather that light is coming right back at you. The other issue is the color balance: at 5500 - 6000k they're more blue than white, and I'm not sure that's the best for visual acuity.

I might be talking out my ***, but a pair of auxiliaries would provide more side lighting, and if mounted low, with a good lens, they could provide a real assist in rain and fog. This is what I have in mind when funds allow: F11 Fog Light Pair - ADVmonster

They come in amber, and the lens spreads the beam.

These can also be had with amber lenses that specifically shape the light: Long Range Optimus LED Auxiliary light Round

RSL · Sep 8, 2015

Seeing in the rain?

The single biggest element in seeing in the rain is the helmet visor. I use Raincoat. Made by a rider for all plastic visors.

Light mist then buff off with cotton.

Small and easy to carry.

Link: http://www.motosolutions.com/

RSL · Sep 8, 2015

As for lighting, you get what you pay for.

The LED color is sun-white, and the Clearwater Darla LEDs are well proven.

jdot1981 · Sep 8, 2015

I certainly agree with the rain coat part. I also agree that blue light is not the way to go. I'm considering a simple bulb from Phillips. I can't find the other link but there was a very informed review about these for the car. I'll post later when I'm not at the office. I'm guessing I won't be doing as much night riding on long trips as RSL. His posts are very helpful and informed. I'm thinking just replacing a bulb with a brighter one with white light would fit my needs. Well keep you posted!

RSL · Sep 8, 2015

In the past I was indeed a night rider, but not anymore. My additional Darla LED lights are to make sure motorists see me.

The replacement H4 LED headlight bulb was selected because it can fit into the small housing, less power draw, better color for visibility and higher lumen output. All good things.

The install required removing the headlight, which is easier than it looks.

jdot1981 · Sep 8, 2015

RSL- Good sir- is that a Schuberth helmet and face shield I see? Just checked- it clearly is. You just moved up a notch in my book.

appliance821 · Sep 8, 2015

RSL said:
Seeing in the rain?

The single biggest element in seeing in the rain is the helmet visor. I use Raincoat. Made by a rider for all plastic visors.

Light mist then buff off with cotton.

Small and easy to carry.

Link: Moto Solutions

Looks like a good product will check it out.

RSL · Sep 8, 2015

You are on AdvRider too. There you will see that Raincoat was developed by an inmate who didn't want to ruin his visor/goggles with RainX (which damages plastic).

Now his products are well regarded in aviation as making helicopter flying safer too.

Yes, Schuberth C3 Pro.

I come from the expensive side of riding. Cross country rides, regardless of weather, on BMWs, the latest being the K1600GT.

Taking a break from the expense and weight with the little Hyperstrada.

BlueSwede · Sep 8, 2015

I will definitely try the Rain Coat Pro! Night riding is not easy by itself, but in the rain it's even harder to see much of what is ahead with the glare of lights from oncoming traffic and a film of droplets on the visor - spray mist from tires is even worse than a pouring rain.......

I will look into an H4 CREE bulb conversion and maybe try that too.

ok, later the same day... RainCoat Pro and a kit for H4 LED headlight are both on order... let's see how they turn out.

porkrind · Sep 8, 2015

I went the cheap route and put in a high powered replacement H4 bulb. 100/80w as opposed to the stock 60/55w bulb. I've done this on several of my past bikes, but only on this bike did it burn up the base. Oops.

appliance821 · Sep 9, 2015

RSL said:
You are on AdvRider too. There you will see that Raincoat was developed by an inmate who didn't want to ruin his visor/goggles with RainX (which damages plastic).

Now his products are well regarded in aviation as making helicopter flying safer too.

.

Yes I am - my hidden shame.

2 vendors on that forum - cyclops, and ADVmonster seem to have good h4 led mods, and offer a 10% member discount. I'm sticking with the auxiliary concept - a winter wiring project.

RSL · Sep 9, 2015

The 35 watt reduction in LED headlight takes care of my Darla LED lights. (Over 4,000 lumens of added light.)

I'm going to replace the 5 watt tail light bulb with a .5 watt LED to save an additional 4.5 watts.

The bike only makes 490 watts at 14 volts.

Want to replaced headlight bulb

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