Interstate Headlight bulb #

[stormrider]

Anyone runnig anything other than stock IS bulbs. And what is the stock bulb #. I know it says in the repair manual, 12V 45/45w-2.
I've tried looking on various bulb sites and not much success.

[Jess from VA]

The 45/45 is Honda (perhaps other bikes) and unlikely to be found at auto parts.

The IS can use any H4 bulb (#9003), so long as the tabs are trimmed.  (Look up the shop talk link on this).  Electrical Connection (I think) makes rings to sister up with H4 bulbs with the tabs cut to hold them in place in the IS fairing light cutout better.  I have them, but never could get them and the bulbs lined up to install, so my H4s are in without trim rings, and they fit and aim fine.

Now the most usual H4 used in the IS fairing are the std auto 55/60s, which are a bit of an upgrade from the OE 45/45.  However, many have gone to "off-road' H4s up to 80/100 with absolutely NO heat issue with either the fairing or wiring.  A lot of air finds its way thru the fairing and these bulbs have been in them for years with no melt/discolor or other adverse issue.  And they report that with proper aiming, they do not get flashed on dims, but the light output both dim and bright is greatly increased.  The only reason I have not got the 80/100s in is none of the auto stores had them in stock, and I needed bulbs immediately.  

[stormrider]

Thanks Jess

[MP]

I use the standard H4 auto bulbs.  Break off two of the tabs.  Go in nice.  spring holds them tight and in place.  I have a set of the adapter rings, but i could not see where they do any good.

MP

[HayHauler]

I use the Sylvania Silverstars in H4 (9003) trim.  They made so much difference to me, that I bought SS's for the driving lights in the IS pods.  Looks like a freight train coming at the other traffic, nice triangle effect.  And, all of the lights are the same "color".  I forget the wattages for hi and low beams, but I just got the standard SS bulbs and trimmed the tabs to install them.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Baloo]

+1 On the Silverstars. Big difference! If I'm not mistaking, I believe they are 45/55W.

[stormrider]

That's something I don't understand. With the 01 stock bulbs, it is plenty bright especially on high beam. I can't imagine anything any brighter. The low beam on the left side is out and didn't even realize it untill following someone, they noticed it in their rearview. And then again, I haven't pulled it yet and it could be aftermarket. And the brights, are very bright. Ok, I'm gonna pull it and go shopping. Wish me luck getting it out and re-installed. xl size hands.

[Chrome]

Hey Storm Last year LoneRider put some SilverStars in my 99 I/S. I had read here that bulbs lose their strength with time. Let me say that,what a difference.I thought folks coming the other way were going to flash their highs at me for running my highs.This winter ,I put another set in my 01 I/S but took a pic of the two bulbs in at the same time.As you can tell,the SilverStar is in the right side. I heard they don't have the same life as stock but who  cares if everyone can see your bike while you are on it. Well worth the money in my eyes.
Happy Trails Adrian(Chrome) V

[sugerbear]

+1 on what chrome said 2k I/S.

[Bone]

Have read a few different places as the bulbs age they lose brightness. Just changing to a new set should make a big difference. My 98's are 12 years old.

[stormrider]

another question, same subject. read somewhere that the bulb life drops dramatically with the silver stars and on their packaging it indicates you lose about 3/4 life expectancy. Anything to be concerned with? Don't know if mine are stock or not. Haven't checked yet.

[Cliff]

another question, same subject. read somewhere that the bulb life drops dramatically with the silver stars and on their packaging it indicates you lose about 3/4 life expectancy. Anything to be concerned with? Don't know if mine are stock or not. Haven't checked yet.

I started last season with a set of Silver Star Ultras.  Midseason I added a Kissan modulator.  No problems yet but I was only riding from March till Mid December.  I will probably throw up a post when one of them finally dies,with how long they lasted for me in a 2000 I/S.  Not sure of the age of the old lamps as they were in it when I purchased the gal.
EDIT.... also using the adapter rings.

UPDATE:  one of them failed early September 2010.  (Installed April 2009)

[PharmBoy]

+1 on the Silverstar Ultras.  I also splurged and purchased the adaptor rings.  Works great without readjustment...JTL 

[Jess from VA]

Ok, I'm gonna pull it and go shopping. Wish me luck getting it out and re-installed. xl size hands.

I have small hands, and still have trouble every time.  One side is easier than the other (can't remember which).  What I finally decided is; I can turn the forks and look up in there, but I can't look and work at the same time.  I have to look, then reach in and work blind by feel.  And don't get fingerprints (or snot) on the new bulbs either.   

[1FAST6]

I use PIAA Extreme White in my 2k I/S.  It is amazing how much the color of the light can make a difference.  I use a modulator during the day and I can see road signs flash in full sun.  At night it lights up signs +1/2 mi.