Replacement Headlights

[DavRed]

Am I missing something?
I have replaced both headlights on my 2000 Interstate 2 times in the last six months. And today again I found out both High beam lights are out again. I have been using the Silverstar Ultra 9003/HB2 H4, Lights.
I am starting to wonder if the washboard dirt road I have to travel from home for about a half mile, is causing this. I cant change that. So am looking for a beter light at this point.
I always ride with my high beem during the day. Rarely ride at night. Can't remember the last time we rode at night.

Replacement light sugestions welcome.

[fudgie]

Was it just the hi's that went out then or both? My SS went out in 4 yrs.

[DavRed]

Just the High's.
But I rarely run the Low's. Like I said. I run the high's, unless I am riding at night....
This is the second time in less than 6 months... same thing...

I am cutting the tabs off them except 1 that center's the bottom.
And not using any adapter if that makes a difference.
Just don't want to spend another $60. For 3 months use....

[Chrisj CMA]

If you dont ride at night then why get the most fragile bulbs on teh market....they are the brightest too, but short lived.  The XTRAVISON 9003/HB2 gives a good balance between brightness and durability

[R J]

Also, keep your oily fingers off of the glass on the bulb......

Mine are 5 years old........   They are starting to dim down some.

Probably change them out sometime this fall......

[DavRed]

Thanks Chris... I will try the xtravision ones. I am always carefull not to touch them when installing them. Just didn't realize they were so fragile. Probably just this dirt road....

[X Ring]

Get the adapter rings.  It may prevent them from vibrating themselves to death. 

Marty

[1FAST6]

I've been running PIAA Extreme White bulbs for almost 4 years now.  Almost always on High (with modulator).  More $$$ up-front, but maybe cheaper in the long run.  Extreme White Plus are vibration resistant for bikes, but I have the std.

[Cattman]

I've been running NAPA H4 100/80 watt off road liights ($14) for years and one goes out every other year or so.

[Baloo]

I've had the SilverStars for 2 years now with no problems. I too have to travel on a part of dirt road, but I don't use the highs very often, tough. When I installed the SS, I used the adapter rings. For the price, it might be a good idea to try them. Not sure, but they could help reducing the vibration on the bulb by holding them tighter. Could be an idea to switch to low beam (cooler light temperature) while traveling the dirt part of the road, then turn the highs on when hitting the pavement... just an idea.

[F6Dave]

The Interstate headlights seem to burn out quickly.  I've replaced about 4 in 60K miles.  On my Tourer, I've replaced only 2 in 146K miles.  With the lower (45/45?) wattage I'm not sure why, but even at the ridiculous price Honda charges I don't lose any sleep over it -- I just keep a spare in the trunk.

[Ricky-D]

I've good service from the stock Honda Interstate bulbs. First one burnt out and shortly thereafter the other burnt out.

I went ahead and got the rings looking to get cheaper bulb in the future.

The 45w/45w seem to be very good at night and I installed the modulator for daytime use.

It's important to not overburden the system wiring with too high a wattage bulb(s), there are many things that can happen from doing so and none of them is good!

***