headlight bulb replacement

[blkvlk777]

Ok, first time posting to this new formatted forum.  I did the seach but think only new topics come up.  I have a 99 tourer and the headlight went out last year (going for first spin tomorrow - whooowho).

what replacement bulbs are people using - standard replacement? upgrade? - I am really just looking for a plug and play replacement bulb. 

Sorry I know this was covered on the old forum probably as much as oil type but could somebody help a poor man out?

Thank for input.

[Daniel Meyer]

Plug and play is an H4 bulb (new number is 9003), available at any auto parts store for about 5 bucks.

http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2004/10/27/headlightLife.html

[vanagon40]

available at any auto parts store for about 5 bucks.

Someone who thinks like me.

[john]

sylvania silver star ...
9003 ... H4
more than 5 bucks ... more light

[Disco]

I'm very happy with my PIAA Xtreme White Plus.  http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-H4.html

It was quite a bit more than 5 bux, but instead of the stock 60/55w it has the equivalent of 110/100w with no modification necessary.  It's plug & play, and could double as an X-ray machine in a pinch.   

[blkvlk777]

Thanks everybody - read the link "why you should change bulb" - interesting...

Well it is supposed to hit 48F today and sunny.  Salt is washed off the roads so maybe will get the bike out today. 

[SgtBunny]

I'm very happy with my PIAA Xtreme White Plus.  http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-H4.html

It was quite a bit more than 5 bux, but instead of the stock 60/55w it has the equivalent of 110/100w with no modification necessary.  It's plug & play, and could double as an X-ray machine in a pinch.   

Any problems with the heat from it vs the plastic lens?

[Disco]

Great question - one I asked of PIAA's tech support line before purchase and installation.  No problem at all in 11,000+ miles. 

[Disco]

No offense taken, Rats!

The only comparison I have is to the combination of stock bulb with 8 years and 6,500 miles on it + the National Cycle Light Bar.  At a DFW VRCC Wrench Party last April, I/we did the headlight/starter switch mod, replaced the stock headlight bulb, and removed the light bar.  It was dark by the time I got home and when I turned onto the unlit last stretch I was illuminating street signs MUCH farther down the road with only the PIAA than I had previously with the stock bulb + light bar.  Not very technical, I'll admit, and maybe that doesn't translate directly to illuminating the road surface, but that was my experience.  (and we didn't adjust the headlight at the party)  Perhaps my stock bulb was really tired.