Sylvania Silver Star H4 bulbs @ 21.95 + tax each

[Earl in Pensacola]

After I bragged about having that bulb and "No problems", guess what!  Three of us bought these bulbs and two burned out the high-beams within 30 days.  The Autozone manager where we bought the bulbs, replaced one bulb at no/chg., but said that the warranty is actually by and through  by Sylvania, not Autozone.  Another blew out at 60 days and finally mine blew today at 10 months. I  tried to contact Sylvania direct at 1-800-347-3420.  Their answering system will not allow personal contact.  You must leave a message or hang up!!  Anyway, I left a detailed message, first asking what the warranty is, then I included the exact date and place of purchase and left my cell phone # and e-mail address.

PS: That's over $100.00 worth of bulbs,(plus the free replacement) and none of them are working!!

I'll try to remember to post what, if any, response I get. 

By-the-way, I reinstalled my 1997 OEM bulb and it still worked like new!!

[Earl in Pensacola]

Thanx for the tip.  I've seen the M/C display but never really "looked" at it.  I usually just buy oil and filter and maybe some cleaning stuff and move on.  Think I'll just stick with my OEM bulb and I do mean the original '97 bulb.  I don't ride at night any more (on purpose!), but I do use the high beam 100% of my daytime riding time.

[Jack B]

I put silver stars in my I/S and my SUV. Great lights but I will not buy them again. In my I/S one burned out  in 5000 miles so I changed both. In my SUV one lasted 10 months the other about 2 years. I put in Sylvania Xtrvision in, not as bright but still great and they last a long time. I've had a in my Tourer for about 8 years.  

[PAVALKER]

I have had a ST9003 Silverstar in my 02 VTX1800R since 03 and sold it with the same bulb working earlier this year.    Have two ST9003 Silverstars in my Valk I/S four years and they are both working great.  You have to remember to keep your skin and oils off the glass... use gloves or paper towel to handle.... otherwise it will create a hot spot and burn out.  I don't use High Beam during daylight like some do, because High Beam has a shorter life than low beam, and low beam is plenty except when a little extra is needed.

Another thing... H4 is only slightly different than ST9003 in that an H4 is supposed to have some extra element support I think... but they are basically the same otherwise according to Sylvania.

Very happy with mine....

[Chrisj CMA]

I have been very happy with the Sylvania XTRAVISION 9003/HB2 60/55W "also meets H4specs"  If you look at the back of Sylvania bulbs package they give a chart that shows brightness and light characteristics vs longevity.  The Silverstar has 5 bars for brightness and only one for life.  The XTRAVISION has 3 bars for brightness and 2 for life.  So its supposed to last twice as long as the silverstar and have 60% of the brightness.

The standard bulb (close to OEM) is one bar for brightness and 4 for life........well if you cant see then who cares right.

I recommend the XTRAVISION its been on my bike 3 years now and all is well

[Farther]

This is the bulb that I just ordered.  I have the same bulb in my Honda Element and the improvement is remarkable.  However this is not a "street legal" bulb for those so inclinded. 
H412XO H4/9003/HB2 12v Osram Hyper
Wattage: CP64205 - 70/65w   
Price: $19.78

[indybobm]

Are any adapters needed to install these bulbs?

[Chrisj CMA]

No, direct replacement for the standard/tourer.  A small tab needs to be removed for the IS

[Slick]

Last week when one of my highbeams burnt out (Used always during daylight ) I replaced them both with the above bulbs on my I/S. Let ya know the results

[John U.]

This is the bulb that I just ordered.  I have the same bulb in my Honda Element and the improvement is remarkable.  However this is not a "street legal" bulb for those so inclinded. 
H412XO H4/9003/HB2 12v Osram Hyper
Wattage: CP64205 - 70/65w   
Price: $19.78

+1 on the Osram bulb. I've been running one on a Tourer for 4 years. Much brighter than stock, no problems with extra wattage.

[Ricky-D]

I always look for the cheapest bulbs and have great success with them.

Pretty closely they all seem to have the very same lifetime.

I am on the third set of bulbs now. 

When you consider that the lights are always "on" any bulb that gives good service is the way to go.

***

[sugerbear]

i have the silverstars in my I/S and i use the adaptors. maybe the adaptor helps with the vibration.
mine have been in for 4 years ans still working fine.

[Steve K (IA)]

I have a Silverstar in my Std...5 years now.    Original bulbs are still in the I/S.   

I put Silverstars in my old Maxima and they were done in 11 months.    Got the Xtravision in there now.  Hoping they will last longer.

[DenverDave]

I recently installed these in my I/S - Phillips Motovision


  http://www.lighting.philips.com/us_en/automotive/consumer_products/motovision.php?main=us_en_automotive&parent=79912999330&id=us_en_automotive&lang=en


Replaced the stock bulbs, just bent two bottom tabs and did not use the adapter rings.  These bulbs are "built" for motorcycle use so they may last longer by being more resistant to vibrations. Wattage is 60/55 as marked on bulb base. There is a orange glow on the edge of the light, but can't say if the glow makes you more visible (but it can't hurt). The bulbs do seem brighter than the stock bulbs, but I believe all headlights get dimmer as they age and should be replaced every 3-5 years, more or less depending on use and that could account for the brightness from the new bulbs.

Found them on Amazon for $17 each. I've had them for a month and would recommend them.

Just my two cents

Dave

[Earl in Pensacola]

OK follow-up time!!  Today (10/26) A rep, phoned me from Sylvania and offered me a free replacement bulb, which I refused, as a 100% failure rate  (4 out of 4) was just way too high of a risk to have on a motorcycle, especially one with only one headlight!  She then offered a refund, however i'd have to provide proof-of-purchase (which I have) and I'd have to mail that along with the bulb back to them.  She finally agreed to Sylvania issuing an RMA for the return of their failed bulb and documentation.  She E-mailed me the RMA etc and it's boxed and gone.  By-the-way, refund ETA is 6 to 8 weeks.  Better than a loss of $23.64 or a poke in the eye!