Silverstar

[csj]

I've been running a Silverstar Ultra for one year, the Low beam
died on me last week. High beam was still OK. Glad I had my spots,
got me home in the dark.

Put the second bulb in, (sold in pairs) will run it til it dies. Never
had a bulb last such a short time. It doesn't use that much more
power than the ordinary type. Should oughta last another year.

Question is, is there another white(ish) bulb that lasts a little longer?

Not interested in the power LEDs, too expensive.

[X Ring]

Part of the reason for the shorter life is the hotter temp the light burns at.  The hotter the temp, the shorter the life.  For the light they put out, I'll deal with it.  I would like to go to HIDs but they only replace one beam, low or high only.

Marty

[csj]

I read in the 'head light' thread about the PIAA bulbs. They're not
for sale in my area.

Around here there's GE Nighthawk. That's about the only competition
to the Silverstar that I've seen. Minimum $30 a bulb, what gives?

May have to give those a try.

[JC]

I had the same short life issue with the Silverstar.. Ended up going to NAPA and got a 100/80 off-road blub that works great and has lasted for 2 years so far for $11.

[PAVALKER]

I had a Silverstar in my VTX for 8 plus years I think and it was in there working when I sold it earlier this year.  I have had TWO in my Interstate for the last four years and they are still running just fine too.   These bulbs work great for me.  I never touch the bulb with bare fingers... use either a paper towel or rubber gloves.  Oils from the skin make them burn hotter and will cause failure much quicker.  And that would probably hold true for standard or halogen bulbs as well (like those in and outside the home).

[fordmano]

I read in the 'head light' thread about the PIAA bulbs. They're not
for sale in my area.

The Internet is your friend my friend!  Search search search I got mine online at one of them there fancy power ports type named places. If you want I can probably find the website, I searched a long tile prior to purchase and I paid around $50ish with shipping but that was two bulbs since I have the I/S I have seen single bulbs for well under $30.

I run the SS/ultras in my cars and my truck they all seem to have lasted more than 3 years so far, The power sports site I got my PIAA's at told me the bikes vibration is what was a major factor even as smooth as the FatLady is.

[John U.]

Take a look at the Osram 70/64 Rallye bulbs, stock #64205. Scroll down to about the middle of the listings:
http://store.candlepower.com/h4hb29003bulbs.html
I've been running one for 4 years now, they are bright and made for hard service as long as you use them"off road".
They won't get hot enough to hurt stock wiring.

[John U.]

I've been using one in a Tourer. Supposedly heat is more of an issue in the chrome bucket. I've had no problems with wires or connectors or the headlight lens. I use the high beam during the day.

[Relax]

Do the wireing, switch and lamp handle a 100/90 lamp without rewireing anything?

[John U.]

Some run 100w bulbs with no upgrades, I'm not one of them.
IMHO, Standards and Tourers should have relays to power the headlights like the I/S has. Your starter switch will have a longer life.

The big issue with using high wattage bulbs is heat inside the headlight bucket. The wires can take the wattage but the insulation becomes brittle.
Do a search, there have been plenty of posts about wiring and socket upgrades to handle 100watt bulbs.

[csj]

I don't have a problem putting in a relay for the extra current.

I'd like to have one of those 100W bulbs, but I've met a guy
who has a Tourer like me, he used a 100W, said he melted
his bucket. Had to get a replacement.

Another thing, that SS Ultra gives a whiter light, but not more light.
I've been underwhelmed by the SS. I'll take a closer look at the
other brands stated above.