BradValk48237
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« on: January 17, 2010, 07:49:00 PM » |
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Hey All, Have the fairing off my 2000 I/S to go out for repair and paint.....and have to replace one of the OEM bulbs anyway...
What's the best, least hassle option to replace both? I will be buying at least 3, so cost is somewhat of a factor too....
B
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BamaDrifter64
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« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2010, 09:46:34 PM » |
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Sylvania Silver Star is the best/brightest headlight bulb I've ever used.... Kinda pricey, but when you see that road lit up like it's daytime, it'll be worth it....  Dave
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OverdueBill
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« Reply #2 on: January 17, 2010, 10:03:37 PM » |
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+1 on the silverstar. I used the adaptors for them off eBay. Some do, some don't. Really nice light. Get some flashes from on coming traffic even on low beam. Lights up the highway great.
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Printer Mike
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« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2010, 11:39:50 PM » |
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I also vote for the Silverstar. Run them in my 84 Burb and Suzuki VS 800. When it comes time to replace the headlights on my Valk, it will be Silverstar. Now that I think about it, just might go ahead and replace now...
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Never give up!
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HayHauler
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« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2010, 04:36:24 AM » |
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I put Silverstars in all 4 bulbs, the ones in the pods too. Best mod I have ever done. Now I can see at night. The lights in the pod run through a relay inside the right side cover, so you're good to go. Hay  Jimmyt
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BonS
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« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2010, 06:09:55 AM » |
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I too run with SilverStar bulbs but be aware that the bulb life in only about 1 year because of the filaments are driven hard to product that light intensity. This is from the Sylvania site:
"The life of any halogen bulb varies based on vehicle type, vehicle voltage, amount of time the bulb is on, road conditions, proper installation, and correct application. The average life of SilverStar® headlights is approximately one year. With our SYLVANIA SilverStar® products, the primary goal is to offer the brightest, whitest light. Research has shown SilverStar® headlights improve driver visibility and reaction time. However, since our SilverStar® headlights are up to 35% brighter and our SilverStar® ULTRA headlights are up to 50% brighter than standard halogen, they may have a shorter life span compared to our other products. We offer a wide variety of products to satisfy customer needs including brightness, durability, color options and increased visibility. We recommend evaluating your annually as part of your regular vehicle maintenance."
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2010, 07:06:10 AM » |
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The only point I would make is:
Pay careful attention to the wattage of the bulbs you buy to replace the old bulbs.
Attempting to increase the brightness and illumination through the incorporation of higher wattage bulbs can be self defeating.
Remember that the headlight bulb enclosure is plastic and susceptible to heat generated by higher wattage bulbs that can result in melting and deforming of the headlight assembly.
Additionally the wiring and the associated switches are only rated for the bulbs you would normally run which are 45w/45w. Higher wattage bulbs will impose greater loads on the electrical system and may cause electrical system failure. Melted wires and fused switches being the most prevalent.
I would not suggest any limits as to what would be acceptable and/or workable, suffice to say potential problems need consideration.
***
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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John U.
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« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2010, 08:15:51 AM » |
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+1 on the Silverstar's short life. That is less of a problem with a Stadard of Tourer, since they are easier to access. I got barely a year from one I tried. I replaced the Silverstar with this bulb: http://store.candlepower.com/64205.htmlNotice that the descrition says compatable with stock wiring, though the wattage is a bit higher. It makes no mention of headlight housings. I have had no problems with the bulb in a Standard's light housing, and it has now lasted twice as long as the Silverstar and throws about the same light. However, the I/S calls for a lower wattage bulb. I think it's risky. I won't use them in my I/S.
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Rio Wil
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« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2010, 09:59:41 AM » |
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i changed my i/s 45/45 oem to 60/55 and that is the perfect combination of light increase but not so bright to wash out the highway signs at night. i tried some 80 watters and it was almost impossible to make out the info on reflective road signs, way too much reflection.
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Baloo
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« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2010, 12:20:44 PM » |
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I installed the Silverstar also. Although many folks here complained about their short life, I did not experience this problem. Maybe because the lady is asleep all winter... Really BIG improvement over OEM for light output. I loved them so that I also replaced my brand new Jeep OEM for Silverstars. 
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Never ride any faster than your guardian angel can fly...
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fudgie
Member
    
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #10 on: January 18, 2010, 01:44:56 PM » |
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I have the Silverstars in my tourer and hate'm.  My night 'light' is down compared to oem bulb. I hate riding at night due to this bulb. Seems as if I can't see as far. I carry the oem as a spare. I see SSS has a new bulb with better range. I may try it and see. The bulb is definitly brighter esp in the daylight. Also I am going on 4 yrs and 30,000+ miles with the same SSS bulb. Also what is this adapter ring? I hear talk of it and see them on ebay.
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR
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Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5227
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #11 on: January 18, 2010, 02:43:37 PM » |
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Also what is this adapter ring? I hear talk of it and see them on ebay.
Fudgie, the adapter ring is to allow standard H4/9003 (or is it H3/9004?) bulbs to be used in an Interstate's (not the Standard/Tourer) headlight, as opposed to a Honda specific bulb, the only difference with the Honda ones being lower wattage and different tabs on the mounting flange of the bulb.
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MNBill
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« Reply #12 on: January 18, 2010, 04:35:20 PM » |
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Specs say the car bulb equilavent (I think 9003) will work but the H4 if you can find it is the HD bulb for MC applications
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MNBill SE Minnesota
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bigdog99
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Posts: 584
1/1/2011 86,000 miles
Kouts Indiana
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« Reply #13 on: January 18, 2010, 04:50:12 PM » |
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got mine at jcwhitney, sorry i like to save the dollars for gas. 
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 VRCC#31391 VRCCDS0239
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #14 on: January 19, 2010, 03:27:59 AM » |
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Regarding Interstate only, many have gone to 80/100 offroad H4s with cliped tabs (with or without the retaining rings) for years with no heat or wiring problems of any kind. The IS fairing is large and plenty of air gets in/thru for cooling. Properly aimed, there are also no problems with getting flashed at night on dims.
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HOZ
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Posts: 61
If it an't broke, don't fix it
Arlington, Wa.
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« Reply #15 on: January 19, 2010, 05:36:47 PM » |
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I've been using "Silver Star Ultra" for over 2 years in my Tourer and have a new 2 pack ready to go in the I/S as soon as I take off the fairing for repair. Good light output and seem to last so far. Time will tell. Got the 2 pack on sale for $49 with a $10 rebate so $20 per bulb.
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VRCC #1555 98' Tourer (Black) 157,000mi 99' I/S (Green & Silver) 45,700mi
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sugerbear
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« Reply #16 on: January 19, 2010, 07:12:08 PM » |
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+1 for silver star ultras 2k I/S 60-65 watt with rings. i like the rings. had a 99 I/S w/o rings and the light "seems" to be brighter with. could be alignment or just my imagination.
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