Head Light

[Blu]

I thought I read somewhere not to use a higher wattage head light due to damage from the excess heat. I have used SilverStar bulbs for years in my IS. I now have a Standard to go along with my IS and want to make the change. Thoughts? Blu

[whitestroke]

The plug on my standard melted with + watt bulb. I replaced it with a Napa bakelite plug. Plus I had a separate circuit for the headlight. The gauge of the wires is very thin also.

[Michvalk]

As I understand it, the Interstate has a relay for the headlight that the standard does not have. Also, I think the interstate has more room to disperse heat from the bulbs that the standard would not have with that smaller housing. I have never heard of anyone burning up anything in the interstate, but have heard of many having problems with the standard/tourer. Might do a search for that lightbulb in the tech section. I'm sure there are many threads on the subject

[HayHauler]

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/headlightmod.htm
This is a link to the Shop Talk page with the instructions and parts needed to install relays.  These operate the headlight and remove the load from the starter switch and the plug that gets melted from using higher wattage bulbs. 

Hay
Jimmyt

[BF]

The best way to add light to your standard is to add a light bar and driving lights.  You can even add some driving lights on your engine's crash bar. 

[ricoman]

I thought I read somewhere not to use a higher wattage head light due to damage from the excess heat. I have used SilverStar bulbs for years in my IS. I now have a Standard to go along with my IS and want to make the change. Thoughts? Blu

there are a few Silverstar bulbs with different wattages.
If you had no problem in the IS, use the same wattage in the std. and you'll be ok.

[John Schmidt]

Just using the Silverstar isn't the problem. Using one with high wattage....different story. Follow the advice of the various posts if you feel you need to go to a high wattage bulb in either bike. If you do add a light bar, be sure to wire it with a separate circuit, don't have it run off the same circuit as the headlight.

[salty1]

Just using the Silverstar isn't the problem. Using one with high wattage....different story. Follow the advice of the various posts if you feel you need to go to a high wattage bulb in either bike. If you do add a light bar, be sure to wire it with a separate circuit, don't have it run off the same circuit as the headlight.

+1 with that separate circuit use a relay too. 55 watt halogens on the crashbar are quite effective.