Which headlight bulb?

[Bonzo]

Im after a new H4 bulb for my 16v K100RS (cant afford the HID kits).

Any pros & cons with the Philips Visio Plus / E-xtreme Power etc?

Or anything else out there?

 

[littleredrooster]

Im after a new H4 bulb for my 16v K100RS (cant afford the HID kits).

Any pros & cons with the Philips Visio Plus / E-xtreme Power etc?

Or anything else out there?

Philips and Osram were highly rated in an Auto-Express test. I've got Osram nightbreakers in the car and they are a big improvement.
Be aware, however, that these high-output bulbs may have a relatively short life compared to standard kit.
HID is the way to go - ask zerocool of this parish about a single H4 kit...you might be surprised......

 

[hank]

Phillips Xtreme Power 80% brighter, I have had one in my R1150R for the last 30,000 miles. So don't believe what people say about short life span, they are probably talking about cheapo imposters. The Xtreme Power makes a big difference on my late night commute from work.

I have considered HID kits, but the head light on the R is crap to start with so not sure if HID would be worth the extra cash.

 

[littleredrooster]

Phillips Xtreme Power 80% brighter, I have had one in my R1150R for the last 30,000 miles. So don't believe what people say about short life span, they are probably talking about cheapo imposters.

My 1200GS used to eat a Philips Xtreme every three months/3000 miles.

I have considered HID kits, but the head light on the R is crap to start with so not sure if HID would be worth the extra cash.

I'm certain that it would. I've converted both cars and the bike - wouldn't have anything else now.

 

[Paul Young]

Just saw this on ADVRider site:

$29.95 HID kits

 

[D6]

Just saw this on ADVRider site:

$29.95 HID kits

they are the old ballast type, ok though,,,,but theres postal on top too
i got one for around about 35 quid inc p an p on ebay,that was for a more modern slim ballast and high/low style bulb.... "virtual village," was the seller,
i cant tell the difference in the kit between my mates 90 quid set up and mine,
seems fine, its on my dzr which is run at least 80 percent off road,so its certainly been well tested

 

[Bonzo]

You mean these?

 

[Bonzo]

Or these have hi/lo

 

[D6]

yup, either, depending on what you need,
mine was cheaper, but only for one, the ones you linked are pairs,
the bulbs are good quality, and the ballast seems as good as anyone elses

 

[Rich C]

Any of the good brands ie Philips, Osram, Ring or Hella will be an improvement. How much of an improvement is governed not so much by the bulb as by the design of the light unit. Some are much better than others and there's nothing you can do about it.

I would personally forget all the fancy coloured styling type bulbs and go for the ones that give you a straight percentage gain if you just want to see where you're going better.

In terms of lifespan the performance bulbs will not last as long as a regular halogen bulb, fact. Typically expect a performance bulb to last half as long as the std one. Thats still in theory, before you have to factor in things like vibration, approx 400 hours use. Thats quite a lot of riding.

R

 

[thomo57]

I've been using the Philps Extreme for last 8 months, with no problems, they are better than standard but HID is theway to go.