Good day all! I've been doing some night riding--yes even this winter in the tempret weather we've been having. I was curious what kinds of after market bulbs people have has success with? I use the Silvania Silverstar in my Accord, and am thinking of doing the same to my bike. I am curious if people have had better experiences with anything different? Thanks! -Dave
I added the PIAA's too. While I didn't have issues with the light output beforehand, the PIAA's are noticeably brighter/whiter. Pricey, but I'm happy with the switch. fing02.gif
I added the PIAA's 2 years ago and they are still going strong. I really like them and will buy them again when these ones go but the price is very high. I get my moneys worth in all the people that hate looking at them
Phillips Vision+, roughly the equivalent of the sylvanias. They work well, it would be interesting to see a legitmate comparison with the PIAAs. They (PIAAs) are significantly more expensive, it'd be interesting to see if they walk the walk.
Kamzilla, Jun 9 2006, 12:04 PMFor those that use the SilverStars on their 5th gens, which model did you get? I got the H4ST's, and they don't seem to fit...
those are the ones. with H4 bulbs you have to cut the two tabls off of the bottom of the bulb. Its that way with all H4's
What bulbs a 6th. gen is using ? I know you need H4 for the main and H7 for the high beam. What about all the other lights ? I have browsed the user's manual for information but it is not mentioned there. (or should I read it again more carefully ?)
teleskier, Jun 9 2006, 02:06 PMthose are the ones. with H4 bulbs you have to cut the two tabls off of the bottom of the bulb. Its that way with all H4's
Thanks a lot. One side has the PIAA and now the other'll have the SS. I'll see if there's a difference.
I tried the Philips Vision Plus, but they were no brighter than stock. I run the Sylvania Silverstars in my car and am pleased with them, so I may put a pair in the bike.
has anyone tried any of the HID upgrade kits? i've been looking at http://www.xenonking.com/5000m.htm. wondering if they are worth the upgrade or if anyone has had any issues with them. also, if there are better places to purchase them.
Last evening, I planned to meet up with three Vstrom riders in Romona for a loop trip to Borrego Springs and back. It was a full moon and the usual clear skies in San Diego and I had visions of savoring a night in the desert but ������it was not to be. Years ago, I had taken this trip but on a bicycle so I was really looking forward to the new adventure and, shall we say, the power.
Turns out my anticipated moon and star swept roads on the desert floor were cloaked in a haze plus my lights were woefully inadequate compared to my Vstroms buddies. The result - I could not see sh��� including a fresh road kill deer in the middle of the road. The loop was out and I missed one of my all time favorites Banner Grade up to Julian.
Now I know I am getting old but this is ridiculous. Any body else here have the same problem????
Turns out the stock Vstrom lights are 60/55W. 99 VFR lights are awful in comparison and I need an upgrade. I looked through this thread and HS on modifying the relays but for the moment am unwilling to cut wires etc. Please give me the latest on what you have done to boost your headlight power. Are there other options besides the Silverstars and what wattage would be safe. Did your changes make a significant difference? Or is my only choice to not ride at night again?
on the six generation i think i'd get arrested with anything brighter. wink.gif i've ridden in the country and forests with low beams only and people still flash their brights at me to say "hey, jackass turn off the brights". i can see farther than i need to with the stock bulbs, is it really worth the upgrade?
767fixer, Sep 9 2006, 12:28 AM yes. especially if you do my headlight mod too
I am holding out for the 25th Anniversary addition which I understand has better lights and is lighter too and has a bigger engine. It is coming in 08 right?
But help me with my 45/45 lights on 5th Gen first. Help!
Well amazingly enough, I just changed mine out for Silverstars today, and I took before and after pics. I love them. A LOT brighter. The picture doesn't do justice but you get an idea.
tinyminds, Sep 9 2006, 12:58 AM Well amazingly enough, I just changed mine out for Silverstars today, and I took before and after pics. I love them. A LOT brighter. The picture doesn't do justice but you get an idea.
Now we are talking. Did you get the 60/55W size? How hard to change and where did you get them?
BonusVFR, Sep 8 2006, 10:53 PM Now we are talking. Did you get the 60/55W size? How hard to change and where did you get them?
Nothing to it. Yes got the 60/55w H4's from Autozone for 19.99 each. They are really really easy to change, 3 minute job. Just don't do what I did on my CBR back in the days, DONT UNSCREW THE SCREW. It is hell to get that bracket back in there if you do without taking half the nose piece back apart.
Sitting on the seat, theres a clip that pops loose from the right side of both bulbs (note: don't unscrew the screw thats on the left side of the bulb), you can see the metal clip from the front side and the slit that it comes out of. Well worth the $40.
BTW This is for 6th gen, not sure if 5th gen is the same but the bulb mounting should be the same.
The Silverstar and all other halogen H4 bulbs put out the same amount of light. It is the same filament, glass capsule, and reflector. The only thing different is the blue coating applied to the outside of the glass. What this does is filter out an amount of red and yellow light that naturally occurs in halogen lights. Since the eye is more sensitive to blue light, it seems brighter. If you really want to see how much light a particular bulb produces, look for its lumens. For reference, the standard H4 bulb produces 1600 lumens.
If you want more light output without overtaxing your electrical systems, turn to HID. A 35W HID lamp rated at 4300K will produces 3200 lumens. This is twice as much as a standard H4 with a 36% less current draw.
If you want more light output without overtaxing your electrical systems, turn to HID. A 35W HID lamp rated at 4300K will produces 3200 lumens. This is twice as much as a standard H4 with a 36% less current draw.
Where do you get them and are they a direct bolt in bulb? I have seen driving lights but not bulb replacements.
AzizaVFR, Sep 9 2006, 05:50 AM The only thing different is the blue coating applied to the outside of the glass. What this does is filter out an amount of red and yellow light that naturally occurs in halogen lights.
the stock bulb on o6 model is a phillips H4 on the lowbeams. I replaced with phillips premium 55w60 just a tad brighter than the standard OEM phillips.
2 for $25 , www.autolamps.com They also have any type you want, VFR lighting is pretty good
Oem bulb even mail order is $20 a piece, RIP
End of thread · 30 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 19 Oct 2006