Another Silverstar bites the dust

[mellowyellow#7933]

I run with high beam on (Valk standard) all the time for conspicuity. This is my fourth Silverstar after only about 6 months or one season on each. Anyone using the new Silverstar Ultra with better longevity? I like the light produced by the S/S, but they are $58/pair in Canada (can't buy singles). Thanks.

[hubcapsc]

There's LED headlight$ that people have been talking about... supposed to be super bright now,
LED keeps getting better by leaps and bounds. Probably never wear out.

-Mike

[Hoser]

It is irritating to many drivers to meet a bike with brights on on a two lane road, including highway patrolmen.  Don't ask me how I know!  I use extra running lights now.     Hoser

[Tundra]

MellowYellow,
  I agree, I had my original stock bulb which seemed to be getting dimmer, although never went out completely. I replaced it with the SilverStar and then another SilverStar within about a six month time frame. They certainly don't have much bang for the big buck they cost. I now get the cheapest bulb I can from the local auto parts store, can't kill it. High Beams during the daylight and low if I'm caught out after dark. Still burning bright. Lightbar for added visibility.

[lljjmm]

If  I remember correctly I cleaned them with alcohol before installing in my Interstate. Just replaced them yesterday.

[YoungPUP]

On the back of the package for the spare silverstar that I keep in the saddlebag, it says that increased light output lessens bulb life. We buy these bulbs for increased light output, so it would be safe to expect a shorter bulb life.  My current one is 2 seasons old. Have always worn the cheap medical type gloves when changing bulbs. Maybe it helps...???

[Thunderbolt]

on the Interstate.  Went back to the 9003.  Don't do that much night driving anyway and the 9003 bulbs are less expensive.

[3fan4life]

My interstate seemed like it was eating the silverstars.

I bought a cheap high out put bulb at Harbor Freight and it is doing great.

[X Ring]

I'm running the Silverstar Ultra for about 9 months in my Tourer without a problem and I run high beam during the day with a modulator.  Like Young Pup said if you're running a Silverstar or Silverstar Ultra in ANY vehicle, you will have shortened life.  That's the price you pay for a better bulb.

Marty

[Mildew]

My original bulb been burning for years. It always had the yellow color to it but seemed plenty bright. I put the 9003 silverstar in it and the only difference I notice is theirs no yellow tent in the lense but dosnt seem any brighter looking down the road. I don't think I got the ultra. I paid around $10 for it at wally world. They had a $5 $10 and $18 bulb for the valk. Next time ill try the $18 bulb. I have heard people say to change them every year to keep from doing it on the side of the road.

[hubcapsc]

I put whatever silver star that people were talking about here around four and a half years ago
into my bike, and it is still there.

I almost never use hi-beam, and have motolights to help people see me.

-Mike

[ILcruiser]

Here's Sylvania's product comparison chart:

http://assets.sylvania.com/assets/images/masters/Graphic-12-A-%28POG-Comparision-CEE-LIGHT%29-outlined%20c03463ba-a6ac-49fd-bd72-79482981014e.jpg

They used to show that the life of the brighter bulbs was less than the others, but now just recommend changing them all yearly.  When I had my VTX, I ran an Ultra that lasted about 8 months, then switched to an Xtravision, which lasted 3 years until I sold the bike last August, and as far as I know, is still going strong.  I couldn't tell the difference in brightness between the two.

[ricoman]

Have had the "Silverstar High Performance"  on 2 Valks for 2 yrs on 1 and 10 mos on the other. Never a problem. Stayed away from the "Ultra" because on the back of the package it clearly shows a dramaticly lower life than stock or the other Sylvania bulbs. The High Perf. is not that far off the Ultra numbers and costs about 35% less around here.

[X Ring]

I could really care less about the Ultras lower life.  I live in the country and there is a herd of deer that crosses the road at my place.  The brightness, distance and beam width increases are more than enough to justify their expense.  Spotting the deer BEFORE they jump in front of me is paramount.

Marty

[hubcapsc]

Spotting the deer BEFORE they jump in front of me is paramount.

That's why you don't want your light bulb to be burned out 

http://www.customdynamics.com/high_intensity_led_headlamp.htm

Detn8er was showing off his new Radiantz LED taillight at Clayton a couple of weeks
ago, and that thing is louder than BigBFs horns  ... seemingly much brighter than
some older Radiantz LED taillights, LED is getting better, quick...

I don't know if these LED headlights are as good as they say, but I'd sure like to find out...

-Mike

[alph]

Spotting the deer BEFORE they jump in front of me is paramount.

That's why you don't want your light bulb to be burned out 

http://www.customdynamics.com/high_intensity_led_headlamp.htm

Detn8er was showing off his new Radiantz LED taillight at Clayton a couple of weeks
ago, and that thing is louder than BigBFs horns  ... seemingly much brighter than
some older Radiantz LED taillights, LED is getting better, quick...

I don't know if these LED headlights are as good as they say, but I'd sure like to find out...

-Mike

Mike, thanks for that website!!  only problem is it won't work for an interstate!!  RATS!!  i like the LED headlamp, they'll put out and take less to run!!

[Steve K (IA)]

I put whatever silver star that people were talking about here around four and a half years ago
into my bike, and it is still there.

I almost never use hi-beam, and have motolights to help people see me.

-Mike

Same here.  Four years plus in my Std (Silver Star), no problems.  Still have the original bulbs in my I/S and they are plenty bright.

[X Ring]

Spotting the deer BEFORE they jump in front of me is paramount.

That's why you don't want your light bulb to be burned out  

http://www.customdynamics.com/high_intensity_led_headlamp.htm

Detn8er was showing off his new Radiantz LED taillight at Clayton a couple of weeks
ago, and that thing is louder than BigBFs horns   ... seemingly much brighter than
some older Radiantz LED taillights, LED is getting better, quick...

I don't know if these LED headlights are as good as they say, but I'd sure like to find out...

-Mike

That's all well and good in the daylight but before I start considering one someone needs to post pics of the same scene with a halogen bulb and the led headlight AT NIGHT!!  Especially considering how expensive that led headlight is.  That's a LOT of halogen bulbs even Silverstar Ultras.

Marty

[Dougs2000IS]

2000 interstate, I also tried silver stars. They went out in 3 months. I ordered HID's from evilbay. A light blue tint, but very bright. They only drawback that this particular cheap version has only low beams. The low beam is very bright. Yes I have been yelled at, cussed out, flashed and anything else. LOL, But IM SEEN. Haven't been in an accident yet. So they are working. I will never buy Silver Stars again.

[PAVALKER]

I had  a Silverstar in my VTX1800 for 7 years or better and never had a problem with it....still there as far as I know.  It was not the Ultra however, and a friend got the Ultra in his and mine was brighter for some reason.    I have had 2 Silverstars in my I/S for 4/5 years with no problems.  I DO NOT run with high beams on all the time tho.  As I recall, I think the life of the High Beam is not as long as the low beam (considering it is not "usually" used as often or for as long).  I don't see a need for high beams unless it is at night and I need to see something further down the road. 

When installing these, and other halogen bulbs, do not touch the glass with your fingers.  Oil from your skin that transfers to the glass will burn hotter and cause a much shorter life of the bulb.  I believe someone above indicated that he wiped his off with alcohol after installing (not a bad idea).  I use a paper tower or rubber glove when installing.

[sugerbear]

you could try these........too rich for my blood but.....

http://www.clearwaterlights.com/index.html

just add on lights.  never tried them. not affiliated yada yada yada

[fudgie]

My original SS lasted 3 years or so. Only used brights when sun was at my back. The SSU I have in now are about 2 yrs old and working good. Love the light.

[3fan4life]

Found these on E Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H4-100-90W-HID-Xenon-White-12V-Light-Bulb-FREE-SHIPPING-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2311874029QQitemZ150617931817QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I don't know anything about their life span but for the price I think I'll give them a try.

And as a bonus they are 100w/90w instead of 55w/60w.

[X Ring]

My original SS lasted 3 years or so. Only used brights when sun was at my back. The SSU I have in now are about 2 yrs old and working good. Love the light.

It was your post about them that caused me to replace mine last year and after seeing how well they light up the road with my Valk, I replaced all the ones in my truck.

Marty

[Tundra]

Found these on E Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H4-100-90W-HID-Xenon-White-12V-Light-Bulb-FREE-SHIPPING-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2311874029QQitemZ150617931817QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I don't know anything about their life span but for the price I think I'll give them a try.

And as a bonus they are 100w/90w instead of 55w/60w.

  Would this (100w/90w instead of 55w/60w.) cause them to burn a little hotter?

[The Anvil]

Yes, it will also draw more current through the wires. They may also not be legal. But it's pretty rare that the police check that kind of thing.

3 months is an abnormally short lifespan for even cheap HO lamps. You might want to check the socket terminals for corrosion because bad contact points can and WILL cause premature lamp failure.

[YoungPUP]

The company that I work for is trying the LED headlights from truck-lite now. ( durability, and longevity are a MAJOR issue for us with these trucks running 60hrs a wk 52 wks a year with the lights on)  The drivers that have them say that they are STUPID bright, but wash out really easy under street lights etc. making it a bit of an issue running down roads that have a bit of spacing between street lights. They take some getting use to but are supposed to be GREAT for dark areas. Just what ive heard, and obviously from a different manufacturer.

[3fan4life]

Found these on E Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H4-100-90W-HID-Xenon-White-12V-Light-Bulb-FREE-SHIPPING-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2311874029QQitemZ150617931817QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I don't know anything about their life span but for the price I think I'll give them a try.

And as a bonus they are 100w/90w instead of 55w/60w.

  Would this (100w/90w instead of 55w/60w.) cause them to burn a little hotter?

Probably but I have read posts from people using the 100w/90w bulbs and they have said that it isn't an issue.

[alph]

Found these on E Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H4-100-90W-HID-Xenon-White-12V-Light-Bulb-FREE-SHIPPING-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2311874029QQitemZ150617931817QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I don't know anything about their life span but for the price I think I'll give them a try.

And as a bonus they are 100w/90w instead of 55w/60w.

Those are the same ones I’ve got on my cycle with the exception of the wattage.  Mine are 65/55 watt.  They are illegal, says right on the package that they’re for off road use only.  Don’t care, I’d rather be seen then not seen!!

As for the 100/90 watt, I’ve heard stories of people melting their wire harness.  Don’t know if it’s just stories, but I wouldn’t want to find out!!  I’ll stick with my 65/55’s. 

I’ve also gotten flashed at by people thinking I had my high beams on.  Oh well!  At least they saw me!!

[X Ring]

Found these on E Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/H4-100-90W-HID-Xenon-White-12V-Light-Bulb-FREE-SHIPPING-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2311874029QQitemZ150617931817QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I don't know anything about their life span but for the price I think I'll give them a try.

And as a bonus they are 100w/90w instead of 55w/60w.

Those are the same ones I’ve got on my cycle with the exception of the wattage.  Mine are 65/55 watt.  They are illegal, says right on the package that they’re for off road use only.  Don’t care, I’d rather be seen then not seen!!

As for the 100/90 watt, I’ve heard stories of people melting their wire harness.  Don’t know if it’s just stories, but I wouldn’t want to find out!!  I’ll stick with my 65/55’s. 

I’ve also gotten flashed at by people thinking I had my high beams on.  Oh well!  At least they saw me!!

From what I've heard or read the overheating/melting issues are primarily restricted to Standards & Tourers due to the enclosed headlight shell with little air circulation. 

Marty

[Anthony]

58$ ??
i paid about half for a HID kit that gives superbright light,
draws less amps (30W)
and clicks right in.

I strapped the ballast down on the left front fork, next to the headlight (it shows a shiny metal cover plate), and the controller is tucked away behind the plastic neck cover, in front of the air filter.
It came with a clean, prototected wire loom with in line fuse that connects directly to the battery.

i have to look up the name / supplier at home.
ordered directly in china, delivered to the door.

Worked great on the latest 8500km trip to and after Europes Inzane 5, through Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway

i carry the old H4 with me as spare.
Anthony

[Disco]

I run high beam all the time unless I'm blinding an oncoming vehicle at night.  As soon as we pass, it's high beam again.  I also run auxiliary lights all the time.

I installed a PIAA Xtreme White Plus in April '08 at +/- 6,500 miles on the clock.  It lasted 27 months and just over 18,000 miles until it failed in Monroe, LA last July on the way to IZX.  

I replaced it with a SilverStar that lasted less than 3 months and about 8,500 miles.  

I replaced the SilverStar with a SilverStar Ultra that lasted almost 9 months and about 8,000 miles.  

Today, I'm going to install my third Sylvania bulb - this one is another Ultra - in 11 months.  FML