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I can't see! 55/60 vs 80/100

2K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  PatC 
#1 ·
So looking to change out my headlight and was just wondering on a h4 bulb what kind of feedback I could get on bulb wattage. I would like to go 80/100 but living in SC I don't want to create a problem if the light is too bright since I ride as a 2nd vehicle not just a day rider, so what your opinion?

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#3 ·
well i can tell you that a 80w low beam would be illegal just about anywhere in north america....
 
#5 ·
Figured it was but didn't know if it was "noticeably illegal" at night live in a small town and don't want to piss off my neighbors may just go with the kuryakyn blue 55/60. Not too bike savvy on diy wiring so wasn't sure about wiring hid myself and don't have the $ for a good light bar right now

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#6 ·
ninety six

I know what you mean. I grew up in Columbia, the state capital. Company sent me to Florence, which was much smaller back then. Thought they had sent me to Po-Dunk. Then after making friends and settling in, we grew to like the small town atmosphere. Even Florence grew so much that about eight years ago we moved to the country off a secondary highway about five miles west of the I-20/I-95 intersection. Yep, with only two traffic lights I'd say it's a small town. But if you find like minded people to be friends with, that's what matters. We can drive five miles into Timmonsville on 403 where there is only one traffic light, or only one traffic light between us and Hartsville (22 miles away), or five miles into Florence on I-20 before we get to the first traffic light. Would not go back to the city life for anything. Riding the bike in the country is much safer than in town. Love riding the country back roads.
 
#7 ·
http://www.bkrider.com/bkrider/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=C01000752&parent=

That link is to BKRIDER they have some good deals on bike parts. Most of it is HD specific but stuff like lights and guages will fit with some imagination. I've got a set of automotive 55w driving lights on some homemade brackets, about 45 - $50 in the whole get up and it is a signifigant difference at night. All my bulbs are 55w low beam but the driving lights are much brighter than my headlight. If I redo them I'm getting the ones posted as they can be wired hi and low. For way less than $100 you could have a nice set up. Surely you know someone with some wiring experience? Good luck.
 
#8 ·
I just added a light bar with Halogen driving lights. They're twice as bright as the headlight and you can aim them so they light up the road but don't blind oncoming cars.
 
#9 ·
CHI
I have a 2011 vaquero and tried sevsral lights sylvania ultra was my best choice but now I use a wagner 80/100 bulb. I run high beam all day when riding and low beam is great at nite and nobody flashes their brights at me. There is a motorcycle head light aiming instructions on the web just bing it thats what I used with a tiny bit of adj to soot me. The light has melted nothing and has about 8000miles on it. Hope that helps.
 
#10 ·
CHI,
I agree with Il Vaquero. I'm using a Wagner 80/100 on my VN800 classic for three months now with no problems. I leave for work at 5 AM and wanted more light and that's what I have now. I was advised by my mechanic that over time it can melt the socket to the bulb but I've read a few post that disagree with that.
This is a post I received when I asked about it look at the difference in brightness good luck.

Ron M

Degreaser
08-19-2012, 08:34
I removed my stock halogen bulb and bought a BikeMaster HID 35 watt bi-xenon hi/low kit, here's a picture below of the parts to the BikeMaster kit. They also have the 55 watt kits

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/2148/hidkitparts.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2743/hidlowbeam2.jpg
 
#14 ·
Melting



Went to the Wagner myself this past summer. After 4 months, the socket melted. Replaced it with an Autozone H4, High Heat replacement socket. Pair in the box so I have another spare. Next summer will tell. Love the reach of the Wagner!
 
#12 ·
Thanks I'm waiting for a kuryakyn 55/60 blue h4 light to come supposedly it equals 80/100 but if I'm not happy with it I will look into the Wagner 80/100 before going hid. Also do the hid kits for lo/high use a single bulb or 2 bulbs I'm not sure how the 2 bulbs would seat in the headlight so hoping one like stock setup

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#15 ·
Another option to consider is the Sylvania SilverStar bulb. They have a few different models/costs. Go with their brightest one (around $25). It is perfectly legal, about 50% brighter than stock, and requires no modifications or worries about heat dissipation. Just put mine on, and WOW what a difference !!! It's a direct replacement.
 
#17 ·
I put one of those in and it made a difference. But seriously, compared to my twin 35 watt Halogen driving lights, once I turn them on it's almost like there is no headlight at all. The light bar is easily twice if not 3 times brighter than the headlight.
 
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