Dumb question about headlamps

*jukief* · 05-09-2005

My headlamp isn't very bright. Can I replace just the bulb with a halogen bulb (or something that's brighter than stock) or do I have to replace the whole headlamp? I don't know what kind of bulbs work with the stock headlamp.

Thanks!

zx10tod · 05-09-2005

Quick search and this might help.
http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlight_replacement.htm

*jukief* · 05-09-2005

Doh! I was just looking at Gadget's site. Why didn't I see that?

Thanks!!

**2WheelFun** · 05-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jukief

Doh! I was just looking at Gadget's site. Why didn't I see that?

Thanks!!

Julie...I think you didn't see it cause your headlight is too dim.

LOL

forest1000 · 05-09-2005

Some people have replaced their stock light with one used for ATVs. (This was recommended by the people I deal with. They are brighter and don't damage the electrics.

*jukief* · 05-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by whistle clean

Julie...I think you didn't see it cause your headlight is too dim.

LOL

My headlight is dim, all right, Cary. D*mn middle age!

**2WheelFun** · 05-10-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jukief

My headlight is dim, all right, Cary. D*mn middle age!

ROTFLMAO!!!! Don't be to hard on yourself. The nice thing about middle age is that you'll forget about all of this by tomorrow. LOL

bross · 05-10-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jukief

My headlamp isn't very bright. Can I replace just the bulb with a halogen bulb (or something that's brighter than stock) or do I have to replace the whole headlamp? I don't know what kind of bulbs work with the stock headlamp.

Thanks!

Check your local laws, I wanted a brighter headlight on my ACE and when I asked at the dealer, they strongly suggested not using a brighter off road bulb (100W) because the police will ticket you faster than you can say high beam. I guess they check quite often and if you're running brighter than a 60/55W they give you a ticket. Whatever is on my Mean Streak is way brighter than what my ACE had, the visibilty is noticeably better. Maybe you could check to see if your bulb is the same as the MS, and if not go with a MS bulb.

Hawkshot99 · 05-10-2005

How would I go about getting the part # for a brighter bulb for my 89' Ninja 600r?

*trikebubble* · 05-10-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by whistle clean

Julie...I think you didn't see it cause your headlight is too dim.

LOL

That was quick.

Sambo · 05-12-2005

My 04 mean streak has H4 bulbs if yours is the same you can move up too 80/100 you are currently running 55/60 it made a huge difference for me makes it look like daylight

krichey · 05-12-2005

This sort of relates... maybe a little different. But I really want to put a light bar on my motorcycle, it seems having 3 headlights instead of one would really increase your visibility.

Where's a good site to buy them, and (like many other issues with the Vulcan 500) do they make them for my bike?

DiverDown · 05-12-2005

Had same problem with mine. I put a Sylvania Silverstar in mine, same wattage so no problems with wiring, but it is much brighter. Been in about a month, no problems but like it a lot better.

javahead jones · 05-15-2005

Beware of using a 100W bulb in your headlamp. We have seen and had to deal with quite a few melted connectors caused by the extra current reqired. You might want to try the PIAA bulb. They deliver the equvalent brightness of a 100W but only draw about 55W. Not cheap but could save you many headaches.

myol · 05-15-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by whistle clean

Julie...I think you didn't see it cause your headlight is too dim.

LOL

Man, that is too funny.

Alibi

Alex214 · 05-16-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by whistle clean

ROTFLMAO!!!! Don't be to hard on yourself. The nice thing about middle age is that you'll forget about all of this by tomorrow. LOL

I can relate to that a bit too easily LOL. You have waaaay too much wisdom for your tender young age, Sir !

Alex214 · 05-16-2005

I got a PIAA 55W Extreme White Plus bulb. (H4) I haven't installed it yet tho. I'll let you know when i do.

Dudester · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex214

I got a PIAA 55W Extreme White Plus bulb. (H4) I haven't installed it yet tho. I'll let you know when i do.

Have you installed it yet ?

RichLockyer · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudester

Have you installed it yet ?

I would hope so, considering he bought the bulb almost 3 years ago

A2rider · 01-24-2008

It's burned out twice, he sold the bike and now has a Harley.

05-09-2005	#1 (permalink)
jukief I miss you, Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 19,468	Dumb question about headlamps My headlamp isn't very bright. Can I replace just the bulb with a halogen bulb (or something that's brighter than stock) or do I have to replace the whole headlamp? I don't know what kind of bulbs work with the stock headlamp. Thanks! __________________ In memory of my friend Deron Harden. Life isn't going to be the same without him.

05-09-2005	#2 (permalink)
zx10tod Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Idaho Posts: 435	Quick search and this might help. http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlight_replacement.htm __________________ 1988 ZX10, Vance & Hines SS2R exhaust, stage 3 jet kit, K&N filters. Like I needed another project!

05-09-2005	#3 (permalink)
jukief I miss you, Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 19,468	Doh! I was just looking at Gadget's site. Why didn't I see that? Thanks!! __________________ In memory of my friend Deron Harden. Life isn't going to be the same without him.

05-09-2005	#5 (permalink)
forest1000 Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southern Ontario Posts: 629	Some people have replaced their stock light with one used for ATVs. (This was recommended by the people I deal with. They are brighter and don't damage the electrics. __________________ I want to carry a piece of who I was before So when I hit the wall, I really hit the wall 86 Ninja 1000R, 84 GPz750

05-10-2005	#9 (permalink)
Hawkshot99 Need to fix bike BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Poughkeepsie NY Posts: 405	How would I go about getting the part # for a brighter bulb for my 89' Ninja 600r? __________________ 91' Ninja 600R Full Vance and Hines Exaust, Crashed it, but almost repaired the plastics.

05-12-2005	#11 (permalink)
Sambo Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 22	My 04 mean streak has H4 bulbs if yours is the same you can move up too 80/100 you are currently running 55/60 it made a huge difference for me makes it look like daylight

05-12-2005	#12 (permalink)
krichey Finally Got Into First Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 70	Lightbar Dumb question This sort of relates... maybe a little different. But I really want to put a light bar on my motorcycle, it seems having 3 headlights instead of one would really increase your visibility. Where's a good site to buy them, and (like many other issues with the Vulcan 500) do they make them for my bike? __________________ 04 Kawasaki 500 LTD LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

05-12-2005	#13 (permalink)
DiverDown Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: May 2004 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 412	Had same problem with mine. I put a Sylvania Silverstar in mine, same wattage so no problems with wiring, but it is much brighter. Been in about a month, no problems but like it a lot better. __________________ I say anything new is good by definition. It can shock, insult or offend me. So long as it doesn’t bore me! 04 Ninja 500 My Web Page

05-15-2005	#14 (permalink)
javahead jones Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: westfield nj Posts: 6	Beware of using a 100W bulb in your headlamp. We have seen and had to deal with quite a few melted connectors caused by the extra current reqired. You might want to try the PIAA bulb. They deliver the equvalent brightness of a 100W but only draw about 55W. Not cheap but could save you many headaches.

05-16-2005	#17 (permalink)
Alex214 Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: West Texas Posts: 439	I got a PIAA 55W Extreme White Plus bulb. (H4) I haven't installed it yet tho. I'll let you know when i do. __________________ :grin: 2005 Vulcan 1500 Classic FI :shock: ... aka "Gracie" :wink: F&S Windshield & Lowers PhatRiser II's F&S Backrest/ Rack Lindby Engine Guard Kuryakyn Hiway Pegs Coasters Protac Driver Backrest Vista Cruise Navy Vet God Bless America !

01-24-2008	#20 (permalink)
A2rider Banned BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: KCK Posts: 19,728	It's burned out twice, he sold the bike and now has a Harley.

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