Headlight bulbs

[OldCroc]

I am not ready for a HID conversion yet but was looking at the new Osram etc Xenon bulbs that claim to give anywhere up to 80% more light than standard bulbs.

Does anyone know whether they will give off much more heat? Man in the shop says no - they just use a different gas so I though I would check with a few experts first...

 

[bazbaz]

Hi. Zenon will be a little brighter, & approx same heat value. Still takes 5-6 amps. With HID 2-3 times brighter but only uses about 3 amps so less work for alternator. you can also play with the idea of extra driving lights...............
take care

 

[Magnet]

Don't think they get particularly hot, but they don't last as long as standard bulbs (Maybe 5000 miles?).

I've found Osram Silver Stars to be as good as anything, they are a bit brighter than standard bulbs and give a whiter light that is easier to see. You can get them for about £16.50 per pair from autobulbs direct.

 

[Mr K]

I've just used ordinary bulbs..

..(switches to teaching granny to suck eggs mode) but I've found the most significant improvement comes from adjusting the headlight to shine in the right place..after that I've added some Wunderlich "aux lights" to supplement dip.

No doubt people will be along to tell you that you need HIDs etc, but if you haven't done so already, optimise what you have as standard.

 

[parabiker]

I really like the above lights, look good, add width etc.... How did you wire them in? Are they switched etc or spliced into the dip beam circuit.

I can see me getting some of them, were they expensive? If you don't mind me asking.

I have just bought a single BMW fog light, I can see that be part exchanged now!

Cheers

Simon

 

[Mr K]

I really like the above lights, look good, add width etc.... How did you wire them in? Are they switched etc or spliced into the dip beam circuit.

I can see me getting some of them, were they expensive? If you don't mind me asking.

I have just bought a single BMW fog light, I can see that be part exchanged now!

Cheers

Simon

I bought them from Nippy Norman, they are Wunderlich "Micro Flooters"

I seem to think they cost about £140 but came with good instructions and a full wiring harness, switch, relay and fuse...

 

[magpie]

have a look at this thread http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166442 les will sort you out

 

[ricdunn]

The Philips "X-Treme Power" always seems to do very well when motoring mags have done bulb comparisons in the past... Never tried them on a bike myself but they do have a lot more output in cars.

Can get a pair of H7s for about £20 on fleabay...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/243109/bulbs_we_test_30.html

 

[Slowdown]

IME, higher output bulbs just don't last nearly as long as standard bulbs.

So if you ride a lot they're a false economy compared to HID's, which last much much much longer and are much much much brighter.

Just buy HIDs from Les or whoever - saying 'I'm not ready for HID' is a baffling statement