Headlight Help!

[DrewDanube]

So I've had a headlight out for a while...even with only one, the lighting at night is still better than a couple previous bikes I've owned...
But...
I'm making a trek tomorrow to Hammond, La and the paranoid, what if the other one goes out...will I have to drive back on high beams alone...hits.  I go to wal-mart (yuck) and all they have are 9003's that are "suitable" for H4's.  I doubt highly they have the adaptor ring to make them fully acceptable.  My bike has the "Blue" lights and they are really bright...should I assume that I have 9003's already? 
Would an autoparts store have the adaptors?  I'm planning on hitting one up in the morning so any input is helpful.  I'm also drafting the wife and her small girly hands to do the work...all she asked for is chocolate.  I wonder how much the shop charges??
Andrew

[Houdini]

Hi Drew, I replaced both bulbs about a month ago and found that my lights worked fine without the adapters.  I did find a guy on eBay that has them but of course that does you no good tomorrow.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=380058698389

If you find them locally please list where.  I will probably get them someday but they are not a necessity and I am in no hurry to buy them.

Chuck

[DrewDanube]

Good to know...
I'm in houston, tx...
Hardest part of the drive is the fact that its I-10 all the way...*snooze*

[RainMaker]

Just take a pair of needlenose to some H4 bulbs and break off the upper 2 tabs.  I did that without the adapters. put 'em in the sockets and everything works just fine on my I/S.

[Wanderer]

Don't need no stink'n adapters. Really.

Here is the full story by Raymond... http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/interstateheadlight.htm

[Houdini]

I used the Silverstar bulbs and trimmed the ears off.  I had checked the lights height on my garage wall before and after the bulb swap and couldn't tell the difference so, at least on mine, it didn't change the bulb's angle enough for me to worry about getting the adapters.  YMMV

Chuck

[Rocketman]

I wouldn't waste my time looking locally for the adaptors, if I was you.  It's a mod that the consumer has come up with to thwart the brand-specific-ness of a motorcycle part.  It's not widespread enough to be found anywhere in a shop.
As for using one vs not:
I'm with the other posters.  I don't have them on mine.  It might be a good idea to put them in someday, as it helps to hold them tightly (theoretically reducing vibration and lengthening life, but probably not by much), but I haven't bothered yet.  Just go with the 9003's, or whatever you like, trim some tabs, and go with it.  If you have blueish lights, you may have that situation already, or you may have adaptors already.

Mark

[Daniel Meyer]

Also note....the "H4" and "9003" are exactly the same bulb. Either will have to be de-tabbed to fit the interstate.

[cutter]

What most have already said. I use the Sylvania CB9003 from wally world on my I/S and no adaptors. Never a problem. Have even changed out the bulbs in their parking lot. have a save trip

Bill

[DrewDanube]

Update:
The write up was an immense help for my wife.  Took her 10 minutes.  Based on me trying it would have an hour and alot of cursing for me to do the same job.  The snickers bar I bought her last night really paid off. 
The bulbs were the extremely blue ones...some off brand.  So now my bike is Heterochromic (2 different color "eyes").  May get me noticed when I otherwise wouldn't be.  I bought a SilverStar 9003 and the adaptor was already there...cut the tabs, popped on the adaptor and was good to go. 
Thanks all!
Andrew

[Wanderer]

Smaller hands are a BIG help with this task. Proud for you, DD! ~Jeff

[RainMaker]

Did anyone notice Stovall has accepted his new handle?  You're welcome..

RainMaker

[godfire]

I didn't notice because I couldn't get past Chuck's new picture.
I just don't understand these guys that have to post their pic on every post?
Don't we see enough of them as it is???????


Just joking Chuck, the pic looks great!

[RainMaker]

Now, THAT's a good looking picture.

[Houdini]

So was it the lovely scenic lake view you couldn't get past or the reflection off of all the grey hair?

Chuck

[Rocketman]

Did anyone notice Stovall has accepted his new handle?  You're welcome..

RainMaker

Yes, but you'll have to take up the new handle issue with the prettier Stovall.  I believe her line was: "But I don't have anything to do with rockets!?"

Have we gotten off topic a little?  Nah.

[Wanderer]

Rockets and Units have everything to do with the "moto lifestyle". If they are getting any use, good for you! ~Jeff