Headlight bulb failure.

[fiddle mike]

My headlight failed, both beams,  when I pulled the bulb I found it cracked. The protective plastic around the bullet connectors was discolored but the wires and connectors are not discolored or melted.
I've had the bulb for, at least, five years. The metal part reads:

Candlepower  4730BLB   12V  100/55W  C4   Germany

I tested the charging system (no more than  14.5V @ 3000 rpm) before and after I replaced the bulb with Sylvania 9003/HB2 XV (60/55W) using the old headlight connection.

Feedback?  Comment?  Anyone know where I can find another 100/55W?

[Jess from VA]

Interstate or other?

I get my off-road bulbs (80-100) on-line at Amazon for best prices, the auto parts stores never have them in stock here.  I don't think the Std/Tourer buckets can take these bulbs with OE wiring and sockets.  The IS can.  I don't buy high dollar stuff (like PIAA), just regular bulbs.  And read the reviews, some of the Optilux bulbs get very bad reports.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=55%2F100+H4+bulbs&x=17&y=15

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=55%2F100+H4+bulbs&x=17&y=15#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=80%2F100+H4+bulbs&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A80%2F100+H4+bulbs

 

[fiddle mike]

Interstate or other?

...  I don't think the Std/Tourer buckets can take these bulbs with OE wiring and sockets.  The IS can.  

 

The pictured bulb and socket came out of my '97 Standard.  Everything plugged right in when I installed it.
.

[Chrisj CMA]

Mike....Go to Auto zone or even Wally World.  Sylvania XTRAVISION 9003/HB2 (H4)  Its a 60/55 but its bright and long life.  I recomend it

top corner pn= 9003/HB2 XV

you will like it.....remember not to touch the glass as you install.  I useually wear some cotton gloves just to make sure.


Cheers

[Jess from VA]

Interstate or other?

...  I don't think the Std/Tourer buckets can take these bulbs with OE wiring and sockets.  The IS can.  

 

The pictured bulb and socket came out of my '97 Standard.  Everything plugged right in when I installed it.
.

Mike, what I mean is the OE wiring and/or socket in the std will (reportedly) fry with the higher heat of the off-road bulbs in the enclosed/unvented light bucket.  I'm surprised yours lasted that long.  Yes, it will plug in just fine but you risk problems.  Awhile back we had this similar discussion, and someone posted how he upgraded the std bucket wiring and socket to take these bulbs with no problem.. didn't seem like a complex upgrade.  Perhaps he will chime in again. 

[fiddle mike]

Mike, what I mean is the OE wiring and/or socket in the std will (reportedly) fry with the higher heat of the off-road bulbs in the enclosed/unvented light bucket.  I'm surprised yours lasted that long.  Yes, it will plug in just fine but you risk problems.  Awhile back we had this similar discussion, and someone posted how he upgraded the std bucket wiring and socket to take these bulbs with no problem.. didn't seem like a complex upgrade.  Perhaps he will chime in again. 

I hadn't ever heard that, Jess,  I'd be interested to know what the upgrade is. 

[X Ring]

Mike, if you're going to continue to run those off road bulbs, you need to get that off your start switch.  I recommend you go to Gonzo's Garage http://www.gonzos-garage.com/bike/harness.htm#The_New_Gonzo_Headlight_Harness and order one of his headlight wiring harnesses.  It will take the enitre headlight load off your start button and make it more like the way the I/S headlight wiring harness is.

Marty

[fiddle mike]

Mike, if you're going to continue to run those off road bulbs, you need to get that off your start switch.  I recommend you go to Gonzo's Garage ...

Marty

Thanks, Marty, I'll check it out.