Headlights -an observation

**Blackbird** · 16th March 2006, 09:41

There have been quite a few posts on KB about what headlight bulbs to use for night riding and so on but I thought I’d come at the subject from another angle after nearly a year of using Xenon bulbs. In 2003, I upgraded the stock Blackbird bulbs to twin H7 100 watt halogens and the improvement was dramatic, particularly in unlit country areas with windy roads. In 2005, I did the Southern Cross endurance ride and fitted twin 100W Xenon bulbs for the event, mainly because I’d just blown one of my halogens and I had easy access to Xenon replacements. They were also superb in a wide range of conditions but I don’t think they had any advantage over the halogen ones and subjectively, may have even given slightly less illumination.

Here’s the interesting bit though….

Xenon light is more obvious to the human eye, that’s why it stands out as an eye-catching blue-white. Since I’ve had them in, it has been very noticeable that I’m much more visible in daylight to vehicles that I’m approaching from behind as they tend to pull to the left to let me past a lot earlier than they used to. As far as I’m concerned, being seen by other vehicles in daylight is a significant safety issue, particularly as most of our riding is in daylight. Another weapon against the “sorry mate, didn’t see yer” lame defence by cage drivers! If oncoming traffic flashes me a bit more, so be it, although surprisingly, it doesn't happen that often.

Has anyone else using Xenon bulbs noticed the same thing?

**sAsLEX** · 16th March 2006, 09:59

One thing with certain bulbs, prob especially noticable on a bike with its short wheelbase, is that as the vehicle moves about you can catch blue falshes etc which upon first examination appear to be the police's behind you. Notice often on the BMW etc with their fancy lights, maybe this is why people get out of your way?

**Blackbird** · 16th March 2006, 10:02

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

One thing with certain bulbs, prob especially noticable on a bike with its short wheelbase, is that as the vehicle moves about you can catch blue falshes etc which upon first examination appear to be the police's behind you. Notice often on the BMW etc with their fancy lights, maybe this is why people get out of your way?

Yep, that would be a definite contributor, coupled with stiff suspension. As long as I'm more noticeable, that's fine by me

**emaN** · 16th March 2006, 11:17

i just leave mine on highbeam during the day - like you say, i'd rather be 'flashed' at!

those Xenons can get pricey, yeh?

**Blairos** · 16th March 2006, 11:21

Where is the best place to obtain these xenon bulbs?

**Blackbird** · 16th March 2006, 12:08

I got mine from the UK for about $60 for the pair but if you don't want the high wattage, but are still keen on the visibility aspect impact of blue/white, Hella do them (as well as other makes), check this out: http://www.hella.co.nz/, go to News and click on Xenon Ultra Quartz Halogen H4 & H7 Globes. The do pump out a bit more light than the same wattage conventional bulbs though.

**Aucker** · 16th March 2006, 12:34

Originally Posted by Eman

i just leave mine on highbeam during the day - like you say, i'd rather be 'flashed' at!

Isn't that a danger to oncoming motorists though?

Most of my riding is during the day, so might try the Xenons one day in the future Blackbird, thanks.

**sAsLEX** · 16th March 2006, 12:41

most bikes take a funny type like H4 h or something, but the trick is you can use normal car ones and just *adjust* a couple of the tabs and they fit just fine, done this on all my bikes and never had a prob, cept the cheap bulbs I got off Tardme that have now lost both low beams after 3 months

**bugjuice** · 16th March 2006, 12:45

I've heard stories of some 'bright white' and 'ice blue' bulbs (not sure if they're xenon bulbs) are really great during the night, but if it rains at night, the light is absorbed by the water on the road, and you can't see much..

aside from that, when mine blow, I'll replace them with something like these..

**Blackbird** · 16th March 2006, 14:00

Originally Posted by bugjuice

I've heard stories of some 'bright white' and 'ice blue' bulbs (not sure if they're xenon bulbs) are really great during the night, but if it rains at night, the light is absorbed by the water on the road, and you can't see much..

aside from that, when mine blow, I'll replace them with something like these..

They were fine in rain on the Southern Cross as far as I remember but there may well have been more reflected glare. It really wasn't a big deal.

**XTC** · 16th March 2006, 14:20

I have found the same thing, not with Xenon bulbs but with the visibike kit I have run on my bikes since the early nineties.

**XTC** · 16th March 2006, 14:22

Originally Posted by Eman

i just leave mine on highbeam during the day - like you say, i'd rather be 'flashed' at!

those Xenons can get pricey, yeh?

I reckon you're a dick doing that.....

**Lou Girardin** · 16th March 2006, 16:06

I'm with eman.
I rarely get flashed and if their eyes are that sensitive to a headlight in bright sunlight they should wear sunny's.
Better they squint than I die.

**Motu** · 16th March 2006, 16:48

Your choice Lou,you can live...or die for it.For my part as a motorist coming the other way in a 4X4 with bull bars...I can see you alright,but what you are and where you are on the road I have no idea.Sometimes I guess right...maybe for you I don't? One thing for sure,I'm not the the one getting hurt.

Headlamps on cars have to be the same...so I end up with all sorts of ''odd' bulbs - these go in my bikes,not because of any better light,but because a blue or yellow tinge light is just that little bit different...it may just help....who knows?