Interstate Headlight Bulbs

[BigMac (SoCal)]

I know the Interstate comes with the H4 45/45w bulbs. Can you safely use the 60/55w or will it melt the plastic lens cover or do some other damage like fry the wiring or something?

Thanks, Dave

[PAVALKER]

Dave,

Get a twin pack of Sylvania Silverstar  ST9003 at your local auto parts store.  You might have to bend or cut 2 tabs on the bulb but it will fit and be much brighter than you might imagine.  I got a set of "adapters" off of Ebay I  believe but the adapters and bulbs are worth it.   No melting of the lens etc.....  nice bright white light.

[Jess from VA]

I know the Interstate comes with the H4 45/45w bulbs. Can you safely use the 60/55w or will it melt the plastic lens cover or do some other damage like fry the wiring or something?  

Not only a 60/65, but there are guys who have gone to 80/100 off-road bulbs and have had no heat or melt issues of any kind after using them for years (plenty of air thru the fairing).  Also they report they never get flashed at night on dims.  Just have to trim two tabs off the bulbs to install.

[PharmBoy]

+1 on the Silverstar Ultras 9003 and adapters.  I never dreamed there would be such a difference.  Well worth the price!   

[rwoulf]

Put 9300 h4 from wal=mart in last week, rode 200 miles since, some miles after dark, no adapter, used garage wall for aligment before and after no change, no melting no problems

[Rowdy]

  What is this adapter you all talking about ?? 

[Cattman]

http://www.electricalconnection.com/non-electrical/h4_shim.htm

I've use the H4 80/100 for over 7 years with no problems in my IS.

[Cliff]

+1 (another 1) on the Sylvania Silver Star Ultras.  Started Using those + shims last season and have no problems.

[alph]

i've got 60/65, don't know the make but i know they're really bright!!  a ton brighter then the originals.

[PAVALKER]

Wow... this was an old post revisited.....  at least I didn't have to repeat myself....   

[Rowdy]

  Ok ordered an adapter, picked up st9003 bulbs 

Holy cow  - I was just reading Raymonds Headlight Bulb replacement instructions for the Interstate.

Right off the bat he says you need small hands and good eyes  - I strike out on both counts 

I either need to find a person that is some what mechanically inclined with small hands and good eyes  or take more of the fairing off so my big hands and poor eyesight can get the job done   

[Jess from VA]

Here's the trick.  You can look and you can work, but you can't look AND work.  Getting the fairing turned and the plug off, rubber off, and old bulb out is pretty easy.  But it can take me an hour a bulb to get those bustards back in.  And I have the adapters, but could never get the trimmed bulb and adapter to line up right in the socket.  So mine are in without the adapters, and hold and aimed just fine.  Do not greasy-finger the new bulbs.  I have to study the hole position, then stand up and reach in blind to get them in.  (hmmm..... sounds vaguely familiar)

[alph]

i used some long needle nose pliers, and a flash light.  didn't buy the adaptor at all, if i remember correctly you have to break off a tab to get them to fit.  when i buy new bulbs again, i wouldn't buy the adapter.

[PhredValk]

How about the wiring? Do you have to switch to larger guage or is the stock wiring enough?

[PAVALKER]

No wiring change needs.... works great.

[Novavalker]

I have 60/55 W from Canadian Tire. Paid 10 bucks each are they are bright! I cut the tab off and used the shims off ebay.