Upgraded Headlight Bulb Finally Died

[rbentnail]

As most folks here know, I work 2nd shift so a good part of my summer riding is after midnight. Rather than purchase a light bar I went with a 80/100 watt headlight bulb from Eiko Ltd, $9.95 at my local Honda dealer Eiko-Ltd.com Products.

Well, the low beam finally died. I still had high beam, and it was a daytime ride, so I had no troubles with the law or on-coming traffic. I always ride high beam on during the day anyway.

Now, there have always been "discussions" of how long these bulbs last, or don't last, so I thought I'd let you know of my findings.

This bulb was bought new and installed in an 800 Classic in the spring of '04. It provided about 6500 miles of service, then I removed it and installed the factory bulb before trading the 800.

I then installed the same bulb, now considered used and unreliable by some, in the 1500 Classic in the spring of '05. It's been in service until today, with 18,400+ miles.

That comes to about 3 1/2 years and almost 25,000 miles. What, you ask, will I replace it with? Exactly the same thing. For $9.95 IMO it can't be beat!

[Grumbler]

Originally Posted by rbentnail

That comes to about 3 1/2 years and almost 25,00 miles. What, you ask, will I replace it with? Exactly the same thing. For $9.95 IMO it can't be beat!

FWIW, every single blub on my '01 1500 Classic FI (purchased in April 2002) is oem, and haven't had to replace any of them yet. Just a data point as I'm not in a competition mode this morning.

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by Grumbler

FWIW, every single blub on my '01 1500 Classic FI (purchased in April 2002) is oem, and haven't had to replace any of them yet. Just a data point as I'm not in a competition mode this morning.

My point was to dispel the myths, at least thru my own personal experience, that higher intensity headlight bulbs don't last due to heat or vibration or whatever. The particular brand of bulb that I chose gave very good service at an excellent price.

[Crystalship1]

The bulbs that have very short life spans are generally the ones that are being "over driven" to produce higher than normal levels of light as compared to standard OEM wattage bulbs. That is to say they are really 10-12 volt rated filaments that are being driven at 13-14 volts. These bulbs are usually marketed as "The light output of an 80 watt bulb in a 60 watt bulb" or some such claim. What you've discovered is that by using a higher wattage rated bulb driven at appropriate filament voltages will last a good long time. I'd do exactly what you're going to do and buy another of the same!!!

Originally Posted by rbentnail

My point was to dispel the myths, at least thru my own personal experience, that higher intensity headlight bulbs don't last due to heat or vibration or whatever. The particular brand of bulb that I chose gave very good service at an excellent price.

[rbentnail]

BTW- price for a new identical bulb is now $7.75.

[Crystalship1]

So..... how do you buy from them? I can't find a shopping cart or anything like that. TIA

[captain Rando]

I hope to get the same life span out of my Wagner BP1210-H4 80/100W. It really lights up the road and I don't feel the need for a light bar, although I'll probably get one anyway.

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by Crystalship1

So..... how do you buy from them? I can't find a shopping cart or anything like that. TIA

I get it via my local Honda or Yami dealer. Honda was $9.95 3 yrs. ago, Yami was $7.75 this week. I went that route b/c the Wagner bulb cpt rando mentions, nor any other bulbs mentioned by other folks, were available locally anywhere.

Originally Posted by captain Rando

I hope to get the same life span out of my Wagner BP1210-H4 80/100W. It really lights up the road and I don't feel the need for a light bar, although I'll probably get one anyway.

The 80/100w bulb for me eliminated the desire for a light bar altogether. It was how I was able to afford a breather assy!

[honestlyinsane]

I might have to try this for my meanie Because the lighting on my meanie sucks compared to my other bike. Although I am pretty sure that bulb is illegal for road use has anyone tried a silverstar or any of the other legal bulbs ?

[RichLockyer]

Originally Posted by honestlyinsane

I might have to try this for my meanie Because the lighting on my meanie sucks compared to my other bike. Although I am pretty sure that bulb is illegal for road use has anyone tried a silverstar or any of the other legal bulbs ?

The 80/100 is legal for the highway on a motorcycle, but not on a cage.
There are legal limits for both the number of lamps shining forward and total wattage. Two 55w cage lights on low beam are still throwing more total wattage than an 80/100 on high beam.

Silverstars look purty, but keep a spare or two in your saddlebag.

[VulcanRev]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

Silverstars look purty, but keep a spare or two in your saddlebag.

Rich knows of what he speaks. I have had 2 silverstars in the past 18 months (Year-round riding), first lasted near 12mo, next only 8. @ $20 a pop, it gets to be an expenditure I don't want. Went to the 1210, will see what happens now.

[RichLockyer]

They used to die every 4-6 months in my Tundra.
Standard Wagners would make it a year in the same truck.

[honestlyinsane]

Rich I will be honest I was always told they were for offroad use only.
So if you are saying if you have a single light its ok to run a higher wattage bulb I will have to take your word for it.

[RichLockyer]

Originally Posted by honestlyinsane

Rich I will be honest I was always told they were for offroad use only.
So if you are saying if you have a single light its ok to run a higher wattage bulb I will have to take your word for it.

When I bought the Napa/Wagner bulb, the back of the package said "For Off Highway or Motorcyle Use Only"

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by honestlyinsane

I might have to try this for my meanie Because the lighting on my meanie sucks compared to my other bike. Although I am pretty sure that bulb is illegal for road use has anyone tried a silverstar or any of the other legal bulbs ?

Again, I highly recommend it! If your meanie is like my 1500, 2 screws, a rubber boot and a snap spring. $10 & 15 minutes tops. The increased nighttime view is amazing.

[rbentnail]

FYI. Here is another 80/100w bulb that will work
Search
Total cost at my local Yami dealer was $7.22. It's in the Parts Unlimited catalog.

edit: BTW, there is no mention of "off road" or "motorcycle" on the package. It says, "For Safer Driving"

[kingement]

FYI, for those interested -- Silverstar Ultra 2-pack is on sale for $35.88 ($13 off) at Advance Auto Parts. The Standard Silverstars are $27.88 ($10 off). On sale thru Dec 29, but only on the 2-packs. I just got the Ultras.

[RichLockyer]

Originally Posted by kingement

FYI, for those interested -- Silverstar Ultra 2-pack is on sale for $35.88 ($13 off) at Advance Auto Parts. The Standard Silverstars are $27.88 ($10 off). On sale thru Dec 29, but only on the 2-packs. I just got the Ultras.

Good thing you got the 2-pack

[kingement]

You're prob'ly right... I should have gotten 2 x 2-packs to get me through the next year or so. A good thing they're on SALE!

[azwiley1]

Since we are talking about bulbs has anyone tried the PIAA bulbs that you can get through CruiserCustomizing.com or other places? (I am sure meancycles has them also but I haven't looked?) What are your thoughts on them if you have used them?