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Cruiser
Posts: 71
Willmar, MN | I have been searching for a thread posted quite a while ago but can't find it. Someone had a headlight replaced and the mechanic replacing it (a friend) put in 80/100 bulbs. I was just wondering how that worked...if there were any issues with heat or current draw. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks
Russ |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I had a tech point out to me that the higher watt bulb is not good for motorcycles as they are prone to be knocked out before they burn out. the 50/60w are more durable, so he says. I'm just learning how to change the bulb on the vision after having done it twice now in the last 6 months. Both times I replaced with a 50/60, the last one lasted 6 months and after a ride on a back road knocked out both low beams. Now we'll see how long this one will last. |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | rf43mn - 2010-04-08 7:18 AM
I have been searching for a thread posted quite a while ago but can't find it. Someone had a headlight replaced and the mechanic replacing it (a friend) put in 80/100 bulbs. I was just wondering how that worked...if there were any issues with heat or current draw. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks
Russ
Russ, I would be extremely cautious with this type of mod. People may think they are getting by with it, but it is very dangerous. The supply wires are bundled with other wires in the main harness. With just the high wattage bulbs on you may not have a problem. Add in other current draws in the same harness and combined heating within the harness could result in insulation failure over the long haul. Once a short occurs a catastrophic melt down and fire could or probably would result.
Not to mention the major safety concern, you would probably void your warranty and probably nullify your insurance coverage in the event of a loss due to fire.
I know it costs considerably more but I would opt for the optional PIAA driving lights. They have been designed into the bikes electrical system.
Good riding! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
| I agree with Vic, higher wattage bulbs draw more current, bike wiring is not made for it. You can get high performance bulbs with more output that are the same wattage, that is what I have used. Only thing is they don't usually last as long, only maybe about a year. My past bikes lamp change has been easy so it's not a factor, from what I've read it's not the case on the Vision. The high output lamps I've used are Philips Extreme, you can see the difference. |
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Tourer
Posts: 319
| I would be carefull,even with the stock bulbs it gets hot as hell in that housing. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
Citrus Heights, CA United States | Also look at Clearwater driving lights as these give additional light with less power draw (leds) and work great on a Vision. www.clearwaterlights.com |
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Cruiser
Posts: 71
Willmar, MN | Thanks for the replys everyone. I had an 80/100 in my Nomad for over 3 years with no problems and was thinking about going that way with the Vision. I had read a post that a mechanic at a Victory dealer had put these in while changing a headlight under warranty for cracks.. I was just wondering how that had worked out for him...if he still was using them or if he had gone back to the stock. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
Vancouver, B.C. & La Quinta, CA | I have used the high output bulbs on Harleys for many years without problems. I have them in my Vision and they seem work well without problems so far. Love the extra light!!!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Back in the "old" '99 days Pete and I put Ice headlights in. The reflector in the housing broke off on his and gave out a lot more light. I broke mine off and then bought a bulb with no silver reflective tip. These 2 simple things sure made a BIG difference in the amount of light. I used the rubber over the plug and had no problem and someone that didn't had the plug melt. Cheap easy fix and little funds required. |
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Tourer
Posts: 482
Beer Collins, Colorado (there is no fort) | I have used PIAA bulbs in all my bikes for the last 20 years with great sucess-they are the same wattage as stock but put out twice the light -they also cost a lot more but I have always felt they were a great value. It looks like I'm going to get a replacement light module under warranty and this might be my chance to slip these in while it's apart.
http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=17655/3... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 222
Barefoot Bay, FL United States | How did you mount your Stebel's? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
Vancouver, B.C. & La Quinta, CA | I had a dealer mount both Stebels inside the fairing at the front. They sound loud, but likely are not heard by some of the cagers who have their windows and tunes up. |
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H4 80/100 watt headlights