Headlight bulb

[47Steve]

My headlight bulb. (Dipped beam) has just gone on my 2012 gsa. Can anyone recommend a replacement and where to buy. Thanks

 

[ricalnic]

H7 Phillips vision plus xenon effect, bright, and nice white without to much blue

 

[younger06]

Would the 2007 GSA take a H7 as well???

 

[Beemerman59]

Philips Xtreme H7, job done.

 

[Mr K]

Halfords H7 Heavy Duty... makes no claims to be brighter, just to last longer.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Buy the basic one. No brighter light, but lasts longer than the "brighter" ones. They use a smaller filament that burns brighter, but dies faster.

Jim

 

[Kit monster]

I'm going back to a filament bulb set-up (after a disappointing HID experience) and just ordered a pair of Philips Extreme Vision +130% bulbs from ebay at a cost of £22.99 + £1.50 postage. I used to run the previous version Philips bulb that this variant has recently superceded in my FJR1300. They were noticeably a bit brighter than a bog standard bulb and did last a couple of years or so.

Philips have a good reputation, although the last bulbs in my FJR were Osram Night Racers, which were a tiny bit bluer than standard and seemed good too.

 

[Fanum]

Buy the basic one. No brighter light, but lasts longer than the "brighter" ones. They use a smaller filament that burns brighter, but dies faster.

Jim

Spot on.

'Brighter lights'are just BS marketing exercises......the basic laws of physics can't be beaten without changing surrounding factors.

If you want more light, you need a different TYPE of light (HIDs for example) or AUXILIARY lights.......for the basic headlamp bulbs though, don't be fooled with fancy sexy claims of colours, brightness or a that this bulb will add an inch to your penis length.

Stick with a known good quality brand basic bulb

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Spot on.

'Brighter lights'are just BS marketing exercises......the basic laws of physics can't be beaten without changing surrounding factors.

If you want more light, you need a different TYPE of light (HIDs for example) or AUXILIARY lights.......for the basic headlamp bulbs though, don't be fooled with fancy sexy claims of colours, brightness or a that this bulb will add an inch to your penis length.

Stick with a known good quality brand basic bulb

Good move on removing the HID from the OP and that is spot on Bill. If you want better night vision, fit some auxiliary lights wired up to your dipped and high beams. If you don't ride at night. leave it as it is.

I don't want to start the pro/anti HID debate again but having HID lights on your dipped and fog lamps blazing away all day in the vain hope that it makes you stand out more just pisses everyone off.........really, it does

 

[Wapping]

My headlight bulb. (Dipped beam) has just gone on my 2012 gsa. Can anyone recommend a replacement and where to buy. Thanks

H7 (as per handbook) from any motor factors or petrol station.

Take a little bit of care on replacing. It's quite easy but plenty seem to screw it up, breaking something in the process.

 

[47Steve]

thanks guys .... standard it is

 

[MattW]

I've always used the Halfords own brand, long life, standard brightness (dirt cheap with my Halfords trade card).
I have heard of people damaging headlights with the heat of 'super brightness' bulbs (although I dont know if this affects GS'es).

 

[Rich C]

Spot on.

'Brighter lights'are just BS marketing exercises......the basic laws of physics can't be beaten without changing surrounding factors.

If you want more light, you need a different TYPE of light (HIDs for example) or AUXILIARY lights.......for the basic headlamp bulbs though, don't be fooled with fancy sexy claims of colours, brightness or a that this bulb will add an inch to your penis length.

Stick with a known good quality brand basic bulb

Factually incorrect I'm afraid. Whilst there is undoubtedly plenty of marketing BS and hype around brighter bulbs the physics is sound. Make the filament shorter it burns brighter. The downside is the inevitable consequence that this reduces the lifespan of the filament. To prolong this manufacturers put pure xenon gas in the bulb and at higher pressure so there is more gas in there. Even with this though the lifespan of good brand performance bulb will still probably only be half to two thirds of the corresponding good brand standard halogen. They do however produce up to double the light output. Fact. (big caveat though - all this extra light will only be any use if your headlight actually puts it where you need it to be - this is down to how good the design of the reflector is)


In terms of bulb descriptions if a bulb is called Heavy Duty it means it has extra supports on the filament to protect it against the effects of vibration. This is far more relevant in the 24v bus and truck sector. If a bulb is described as Long life it will have similar things done to it in terms of the gas as described above to prolong the life of the filament. In the 24v sector most major fleet users would use a Heavy duty long life bulb. These products are not generally available in 12v as there is no requirement for them.

Long life bulbs are available in 12v format, Phillips and Ring do one for example. If you want to absolutely maximise bulb life then this would be type of product to go for. As Fanum has said though, any reputable brand will give you a decent service life . Eg Phillips, Osram, GE, Ring.. Halfords too... Avoid unbranded white box or brands you've never heard of.. usual rules apply. if it seems cheap there's probably a reason for it..these bulbs can give short life and or poor light output..

If bulbs are blowing repeatedly and you've bought a decent brand you've either an electrical gremlin on the bike or vibration is getting to it. To counter vibration buy a heavy duty one..

 

[Ted]

Got some of these and lasting well. Usually get through one every 6 to 8000 miles (year) but these are still going strong since last summer. Cheap too..
http://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-eco-vision-h7-car-headlight-bulbs