New headlight bulbs

[Devil]

Hey peoples. One of my headlights has gone pop so time for a replacement. Its your typical Type H4 12V 60/55W bulb (Philips brand). I remember reading about people replacing their bulbs with brighter ones, I was thinking there can't be anything wrong with a little more light at night! What would the next step up wattage be and what things would I need to consider so I dont break anything. The headlights are naked bike type headlights with a glass front and metal shell (no plastic).

Chuckling at the owners manual, "Replacement bulbs MUST be purchased from an authorised Triumph dealer who will supply genuine Triumph replacement parts. This is because Speed Four headlight bulbs are a heavy duty type which are not stocked by or supplied from any other source".

Cue Tui ad. YEAH RIGHT! That's why it's only lasted two months and 4000km on a brand new bike. I wonder what they'd charge...

[Eurodave]

If you go to something like an 80w/100w bulb, just be carefull, I did this once a long time ago, and the extra current draw wound up frying my switchgear, :doh: turns out I should have wired in a relay:yes:

[bugjuice]

the bulb went on an '05 bike? go get it replaced under warranty damn it!!

just mind that you don't get a bulb that strains the system or starts melting stuff cos it's too hot.. there's often plastic in there, that'll only stand so much

[Devil]

Tar people. Maybe i'll just replace it with the same one instead of risking breaking something.

Darn city petrol stations not selling headlight bulbs!

[SARGE]

i did this mod on my FJ.. doubles the output of standard bulbs and makes them draw less power CLICK HERE (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=20080&highlight=bright+lights)

[Ixion]

Always wire through a relay, and run a separate fused feed direct from the battery. Bike switches and wiring aren't built to handle heavy current

[Lou Girardin]

Be warned that high wattage bulbs can degrade polycarbonate headlights lens.

[Zapf]

Devil.... go to Autostop or any trade type auto supplies shop... and look for the Philips Premium bulb. Comes in a package of 2's. They give at lease 50% more light for the same wattage... have put them onto all my bikes :) and yes it does give more light. (and its not blue) (and don't touch the blue ones)

[Devil]

Devil.... go to Autostop or any trade type auto supplies shop... and look for the Philips Premium bulb. Comes in a package of 2's. They give at lease 50% more light for the same wattage... have put them onto all my bikes :) and yes it does give more light. (and its not blue) (and don't touch the blue ones)
Ooo, might be stopping past repco or supercheap on the way home...

Cheerth

[Zapf]

Ooo, might be stopping past repco or supercheap on the way home...

Cheerth

and don't let them sell you that Nevar (spelling) crap...

[Devil]

and don't let them sell you that Nevar (spelling) crap...
You mean the Narva stuff? The petrol station ones...

[Zapf]

You mean the Narva stuff? The petrol station ones...

yep... exactly... its useless name... so didn't commit it to memory.

[What?]

Always wire through a relay, and run a separate fused feed direct from the battery. Bike switches and wiring aren't built to handle heavy current
That's good advice, but I have never followed it... Been running 90/100's for years in CB650, CB750, CB1100, XT550, XT600, F650 and never had a problem with standard wiring or switches. Maybe I'm lucky...

[Ixion]

More probably, you just don't get as good a light output as you might because of voltage drop through all the switchery. Checks out the post Mr Sarge made for an explanation

[What?]

No problems with voltage drop, either. Well over 12V at the bulb. Like I said, must be luck... On the flip side, my ute did need relays fitted to feed 100 watt main beams (had about 10 volts at bulb). I used a 2-pole relay, rather than 2 singles as per Sarge's diagram.

How do your 130's last, Sarge? I used them for a while, but found they tended to burn out pretty quick.

[classic zed]

One thing no one has mentioned yet, as with all Halogen bulbs do not touch the glass when you fit a new one, the oil on your fingers will stain the glass causing it to discolour and possibly fail earlier.

Anyone tried the HID kits yet? I have one for the 1300 for when she is back on the road.:2thumbsup