Headlight bulbs

[airman9]

Does anyone have a link or suggestion on brighter headlight bulbs for my '02 SVS??? I ride a lot at night and the stock ones aren't the best on the long dark highway I have to ride every night. I already have a bulb # for the little parking light to make it match I just have no clue on the headlights.. I am looking for like the blue I have for my car... Kind of like the HID look alikes.. I know peaty gave me one option just wondering if there are more..

Thanks in advance..

[linp]

The SVS uses H4 bulbs. I got my 60/55 Sylvanias (stock are 45/45 I believe) from PepBoys or Kragen.

[shearer216]

thats what i got too, i like em alot better than stock especially the brights. they light up the whole nieghborhood

[Tine]

Damn but this was hard to find!
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcbeware/headlight.motml

'twas even tested on an SV for the article.

Tine

[airman9]

Thanks for the info... Lots of good reading..

A mistake or not I had some credit at the dealer and they recommended the Lockhart Phillips and even had the guy come out and throw them in for me too... After reading about how a couple of people had theirs burn out very quickly I called them and he told me that if they burn out in the near future he will replace them so I am happy for now...

Can't wait for darkness to see how they look..

Thanks again for all the info :D

[CamaroSS]

Will these work on the SV, they are listed as such, but do they cause any problems? Melt the buckets or any of that?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2405920978&category=6777

[RACERX]

dude those arent HID bulbs. All they do is make the effect of HID but PIAA is the only one who has come close to resembling HID w/o the actual HID conversion. Bulbs $10-20 HID conversion $400 and up
they wont burn any buckets.

[CamaroSS]

I know they arnt really HID's, real HID's are a couple grand, but I'm in it for the brighter light. A friend of mine got something similar for his CBR and they are bright as hell. I figure more people can see me this way...

[NorCal_SV650S]

OKay everyone here is the deal with these "HID" bulbs...

First of all they are way to powerful for our wiring harnesses.
We have 45W bulbs, these run at 90/100 which would eventually burn out your harness.
Second, even though these lights look cool, they are both dangerous and illegal. Why?
Halogen has a light pattern like every other form of light.
To make the light look blue the bulb companies cover the crystal with a blue coating, this filters out all light EXCEPT the blue range.

Problem? Halogen lights don't emit a very powerful blue light range...more of a yellow-white range. So since you are actually getting less light thrown on the street in front of you, what does the bulb companies do? Increase the wattage of the bulb to make up for the reduction in light.

Blue light is almost worthless in foggy/rain/wet conditions (that's why the "rain/fog" bulbs are yellow) and blue light is prone to being deflected easier, meaning instead of painting a "target" may times the light bounces over it, reducing visibity.

So in conclusion,
Xenon lights are different, the gases discharged actually emit a purple/green light effect, they are not colored, it just works that way.
The fake "HID" bulbs do look cool, but actually can damage your bike (or car) and are both illegal and reduce your light production, which personally on my bike is very important at night.

I just want everyone to be educated. I learned all this on some Federal Highway report that was posted online about a year back.
The conclusion was Xenon lights are fine, even if drivers complain that they are annoying and bright, but that "HID" blue halogen bulbs are illegal and dangerous to both driver and oncoming vehicles.


JordanG

[Punkbrad]

yes, i put those 85-100 watt HID shit bulbs in my truck, and now i am calling the dealer to get the wire harnesses cuz it melted the shit out of them..

the xenon lower wattage are okay probably - but im not sure, im just sticking to OEM from now on...


Pb.

[CamaroSS]

Good info, thats what I was looking for. Thanks

[RACERX]

I used PIAA HID wanna bees in my honda . They almost looked like the real thing and I had no probs with burning the harness up. But they are about $90

[GetnJgyWitit]

Ok I read all that stuff, but I'm still not sure what wattage bulb we can safely put in our bikes with out having any problems. I just ordered a halo to put over one of my bulbs just so that I'm am more noticable, but I know it is going to dim my already sorry lights!

[CamaroSS]

I bought some normal replacement bulbs (not the super whites) that are 60/55 watts. I'm trying to decided If I like them, but I need to wait untill night time to make up my mind. So I only put in one so I could return the other one if I wanted to. Is it ok to have two different bulbs in? I dont want to over load anything...

[Burst]

Should't be a problem... You won't get an accurate idea for how they cast light though with only one in. THey work together to light up the whole road so one may throw you off a bit.

[CamaroSS]

I just want to see if the new one is visibly brighter. I ride in the day time for the most part. I just want my lights to be bright so I'm visible

[dillweed]

Where can I get the cheapest bulbs for my SVS.
I don't care if they are stock or aftermarket, just going on price.

[linp]

Originally posted by dillweed
Where can I get the cheapest bulbs for my SVS.
I don't care if they are stock or aftermarket, just going on price.

From someone who replaced theirs? Walmart? PepBoys? They aren't considered an expensive item to replace.

[dillweed]

maybe they aren't expensive, but they ARE less expensive at some places than others, and that's what I'm asking. And I don't feel like calling a bunch of stores to find out if they carry them, which is why I'm asking here.

Good idea on buying them from someone who replaced their stockers. If anyone wants to sell theirs, PM me

[Q]

I wasn't bullshitting when I said my headlights glow in the dark. Ask Jiggy, he's seen 'em.

Anyhow, they are hyperwhite. They draw the same amount of current as the stock headlights but put out twice as much wattage. Amperage is what will cause enough heat in your harness to melt, not the wattage. Stock is something like 50/55, mine are 100/110.

I've had these bulbs on my bike for the last two years, neither has burnt out or caused any problems in that said time. I've also got a pair of blue ones in my truck... again no problems with that either... and as you can see in my avatar, its a '72 chevy. The wiring harness is a rats nest and still no problems with the lights or heat.

They also have a cool looking rubber glow ring around the light. When you shut them off at night they stay glowing green or blue.

I picked them up at National City Motorcycle. Not sure on the price, but I think they're around $35 each. Yeah, expensive.. but worth the effect they have.

[Frosty]

Does anybody have any experience replacing the stock bulb with a 55/100 watt xenon bulb? I've heard these things run extremely hot and draw a lot of current, so I'm wondering if the bulb would tax the electrical system too hard. The specific bulb I'm looking at is the Candlepower H4 Xenon bulb in 55/100 watt flavor if y'all have any thoughts/suggestions/alternatives.

[gaian]

Q said:

"They draw the same amount of current as the stock headlights but put out twice as much wattage. Amperage is what will cause enough heat in your harness to melt, not the wattage. Stock is something like 50/55, mine are 100/110"

...actually Power (W) = Current (I) x Voltage (V)

assuming it's a resistive load and not an inductive load (which a bulb won't be).

This means that any increase in wattage will automatically require an increase in current. (unless voltage increases, which it won't unless you change to a 24V system). Now a 50W standard bulb will consume the same amount of electricity as a 50W Xenon, however the Xenon may be more efficient in it's energy conversion, producing more light and less heat.

[blue rhino]

I've had the PIAA superwhites for about a month and a half in my bike and they are noticeably brighter....As someone said earlier, they come close to the HID style, but don't require as much juice that HID's need...

The shop I bought them from said PIAA's are degined in such a way where they are brighter, yet pull the same current...no probs yet..

Now I need the lights to match the parking ones...

- Chris

[BluBallz]

i had two xenon bulbs and running with brights all day would run my battery down majorly, i switched to one xenon and one hyper white and now its fine and looks pretty trick, xenon used as brights suck at night anyways, with one hyper white, problem solved...

[lsp408]

has anybody try the piaa super plasma gt bulb????
is that pretty good and won't burn the wire????

[SV650canuk]

What about wiring in a second set of small halogens under the fairing?
Anyone tried this?

[BioTek]

Okay, just to frustrate some of you guys (sorry!) I have a question to chip in. I wanna get the "Blue" bulbs that cost about 15 bucks each from PepBoys. They say they're 55/60w or something like that so it's only a marginal difference in wattage over stock (my U.K bike ran 55/60w stock). I too am concerned about heat increase etc, so can someone shed some definitive advice on what to do? I dont really use high beams all that much but I dont wanna melt shit, or maybe pop a fuse, if I decide to flick it up one day. Thanks. :cool:

[Q]

Headlights are hot as it is... so going from low to high beam isn't going to increase the temp so much it melts stuff....

You'll be fine with whatever bulbs you put in.

[roadrunner]

anyone have a link or advice on how to change the bulb on and svs?

[riff42]

Is there a way I can get both beams on at once when I flip to HIGH??


Also, if I want to add some more front lights, should I run more wires from the fuse box? Or can the stock wiring handle 110watts per set (ie: 110 for high, 110 for low)

[D.T.]

You would have to have another switch or a different dimmer switch. As far as stock wiring, usually it's bare minimum as far as wire gauge to handle a certain amount of amps/watts. If you used stock wiring and jumped the high and low beams at the headlight, the common B/W wire and Y, W wires will be over loaded and probably burn/melt somewhere.

I would run a new circuit with new wires. possibly 16 or 18 gauge wire. I see the high and low beams have 15A fuses for each individual circuit. To run both I'd recommend a 30A fuse and increase the conductor size.

[riff42]

Originally posted by D.T.
You would have to have another switch or a different dimmer switch. As far as stock wiring, usually it's bare minimum as far as wire gauge to handle a certain amount of amps/watts. If you used stock wiring and jumped the high and low beams at the headlight, the common B/W wire and Y, W wires will be over loaded and probably burn/melt somewhere.

I would run a new circuit with new wires. possibly 16 or 18 gauge wire. I see the high and low beams have 15A fuses for each individual circuit. To run both I'd recommend a 30A fuse and increase the conductor size.

Never thought of running an extra switch.
Thanks for the info though.

[dieselndixie]

so if all I want to do is replace my headlights with bulbs that will match my hyperwhite led running lights....what can I go with that is fairly cheap

[quacktheduck]

well, HID does not use more juice than standard halogen...it draws only 35W. Not to mention real hid lasts near forever. I have an authentic hella hid kit on my truck and it lights up the road like none other, so much so that i hate driving anything with halogen now.

That being said for my sv i went and got a super yellow, yes yellow bulb...and it works great in two ways. One it makes me stand out for a mile in traffic, i mean who else on the road runs a super yellow bulb? Next to no one. Secondly, the yellow really strikes a contrast on many objects on the road so for a halogen I can see really well. If you want a mental image, picture those le mans cars that run yellow headlights, just less intense (i'm thinking about the vipers and c5r off the top of my head). Just a little food for thought...oh and btw my bulb cost only 18 bucks. ;)

[rhinoWERX]

Partly cause I'm lazy, and partly cause I'm too cheep to own a manual, but, can someone tell me (or point me in the right direction) how I can get the headlight bulb (04 SV650 nekkid) -- want to swap it out for a Sylvania SilverStar.

Cheers

-Jack

[linp]

Naked SV:
1. Remove the headlight with 2 screws (near bottom front, left and right side).
2. Disconnect the coupler.
3. Disconnect the position light coupler.
4. Remove the socket cover
5. Unhook the bulb holder spring and pull out the bulb.
6. Reassemble the bulb in reverse order of removal.

SVS:
1. Disconnect the coupler and remove the rubber cap.
2. Remove the headlight bulb by unhooking the bulb holder spring.
3. Reassemble the bulb in the reverse order of removal.

Pictures are in page 8-39 to 8-42 of the shop manual.

[rhinoWERX]

Thanks linp

:cool:

[pAint]

I have the Lockhart Phillips 90/100 ion bulbs on my 03 svs and these things rock! Its like a f'n rainbow colored bulb.. changes colors when u look at it different directions. I recommend these badboys to everyone just cuz they are so bright and colorful. Everyone notices u night and day. I've had them for 4 months now and no probs. No probs with the cops yet either(they know its for safety reasons) the only bad thing about these is that they run for 30 bux each. 60 something and change for both! but well worth it.

-Val

[RBlocal]

Does anyone have any recommendations for hyperwhite lights on a pre '03 svs

[Tillers_Rule]

Target sells some nice ones for like $12.99 Ive been running them in my bike for about 20,000 miles now with no problems, and they dont look like cheapo's either, they are nice and white with a very slight blue tint.

[JPJP]

Target?!?!? Dang, ya gotta love 'em!

Are they Sylvania Silverstars or Pia a?

[RBlocal]

Do you have a modle number or a brand name anything, Does any light fit or what i dont know how that works...

[Tillers_Rule]

I'll take a pic as soon as I can, but no cam at the moment.

The bulbs are the;

XENON White

H4 12v 60/55w P43t

Part#H4-9003XW2




The fit my TL, and I kow they work on the pre '03 SV's, not sure about the new ones though. Hope that helps some.

[RBlocal]

Thanks for the info gonna buy tomorrow if i get time.

[moforose3]

I would go with PIAA bulbs if you are just buying bulbs. They are more expensive, but they last forever. The cheaper bulbs burn hotter and will burn themselves out quickly (especially on a motorcycle where they are on all the time). You can find HID's for about $400 or so. They actually use less power than regular bulbs. They make kits for different bulbs so you can plug the harness right into the HID box. Its pretty simple, the hardest part is trying to find a place to mount the box.

[GsxrGregor]

I have a H4 Sylvania Silverstar as the switchable low/high beam on my Gixxer and it's much better than the stock bulb. For the low beam in the projector lens I have a H7 Nokya Arctic White Pro Halogen which is also brighter and has a HID looking bluish color to it.

[bling_thing]

I'm driving a lot at night lately, and just read about Sylvania's Halogen lights. They are cheaper than the H.I.D. lights that I also looked into, but those are running around $400 to convert.

The H4 STs are in most auto stores, and are running around $19 bucks a bulb.

Would I need two bulbs for the F4i...one for dim...one for bright?

http://www.brandsport.com/sylautlig.html

Pros? Cons?

[vfr870]

I've heard a few people complain about the short lifespan of the Sylvania Silverstars. Same people said go for the Osram Silverstars, they last longer. Some bulb info here..... http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/

I have the Phillips Vision Plus bulbs in my VFR & SV, they work great at night & have been in the VFR over a year. I got them delivered from the UK in about a week for $28 for the pair. Cheaper than the Silverstars. I got them here.... http://www.autolamps-online.com/products/h4vpluscentre.htm

If both your bulbs are H4's, then yep, get a pair.


Hope this helps,

Steve

[Tillers_Rule]

I use them and yes, I actually do notice a difference in night driving. The light given off is whiter and crisper looking. I think I paid $40 for the two of them, but mine are dual element, both high, both low.

As you said, not as good as HID's, but then again not nearly as expensive either.

Not sure of your setup but if you currently have 2 bulbs then you'll need 2 to replace them with.

[bling_thing]

Originally posted by vfr870
I've heard a few people complain about the short lifespan of the Sylvania Silverstars. Same people said go for the Osram Silverstars, they last longer. Some bulb info here..... http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/

I have the Phillips Vision Plus bulbs in my VFR & SV, they work great at night & have been in the VFR over a year. I got them delivered from the UK in about a week for $28 for the pair. Cheaper than the Silverstars. I got them here.... http://www.autolamps-online.com/products/h4vpluscentre.htm

If both your bulbs are H4's, then yep, get a pair.


Hope this helps,

Steve

Another board said I need H7's

That what you have? Do I need a low left and a high right?

[Tillers_Rule]

I've got the H4 in my bike, for what it's worth.

Take a bulb out off your bike and look at the prongs, if there are 3, similar to a 240 volt oulet, then you have the H4, if it's a plastic casing with 2 prongs inside, then it's the H7, or just take it to the store and compare.

[vfr870]

Originally posted by bling_thing
Another board said I need H7's

That what you have? Do I need a low left and a high right?

Like Tiller said, 2 prongs on the H7's. They are single filament, you would need a pair. The high/low arrangement is handled by the headlight switch, there are no left or right bulbs. Get a pair, swap them out & your all set.

[racinteach]

been using the sliverstars for over a year ...work very well..running the single light again with two driving lights to supplement.....since running the silverstar no need for the aux lights yet....

[DOC]

I'm running a Xenon bulb from the J. C. Whitney catalog. 55/100W is $14.99 and 55/60 is $11.99. These bulbs are filled with xenon gas instead of halogen and are supposed to run cooler and last longer, also has the blue coating. Sounds like the same thing as the Silverstars but better price. I'm running the 100W high beam and love it.
DOC

PS: I have the naked SV so I only have one headlight and can get away with running the 100W high beam. I don't think I'd run the 100's if I had dual headlights. It might be a bit much for the wiring/fuses.

[bling_thing]

Woo Hoo!

Time to blind a bunch of drivers while I lane split...:p

[soulofadra6o]

Originally posted by bling_thing
Woo Hoo!

Time to blind a bunch of drivers while I lane split...:p

imagine the road rage from cagers when u do that with HIDs on high beams

[racinteach]

my dual light setup pissed off drivers...they were so bright they were blinding...my silverstar on high does teh same thing...had a xenon with the blue tint and it seemed to wash some of the details in the road...

[slowmike]

If you can afford to do it right I'd go straight to HID. I do a lot of night riding and it 100% makes a difference.

We should try to meet up some night and you can check out my setup... :-)

[DOC]

Originally posted by slowmike


We should try to meet up some night and you can check out my setup... :-)
No thanks, that sounds kinda kinky.:p
DOC

[enos79]

I run silverstars in my dual headlight setup on my naked 04 SV. HUGE difference from the one original stock bulb.

[Tillers_Rule]

Originally posted by slowmike


We should try to meet up some night and you can check out my setup... :-)


So you'r saying I get to ride your new R1....at night....???


Sounds like a plan:D

[yadlosky]

The only drawback to silverstars is that the small clear lights (to the outside of the headlights) tend to look 'orange' with the bright lights.

[bling_thing]

yadlosky,

What are you talking about?

[Novadesigns]

No I know what you mean Yadlosky, they don't seem to match any longer since I put in the Silverstars. I've actually been thinking about getting some blue bulbs to go in the running light spot. I'll let you guys know if I find anything that works and looks cool.

[SV650S]

Sorry to bring up an older thread, but has anyone figured out what P/N is needed for the SilverStars for the SV's
I have a 1st gen SVS, and would like to upgrade too these.
I'm using them in my truck and the wife's car and can not believe the difference. I would like them for my bike.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[slowmike]

1st gen and SV's use H4 bulbs (the naked bikes use 1x 60W and the S uses dual 55w's, the CBR uses H7 bulbs; as do the R1, R6, etc.

Oh a side note I can get a good price (about $10/pair) for the 55W blue tinted bulbs. If you're looking for additional output I can get 100W bulbs in H7. It's good to work for a company that makes interesting things..

[p1choco]

Slow down there. Not trying to be rude. I have a naked O5' and I replaced the bulb. The stock bulb I took out is an H4 60/55w 12v. Thats info straight off the bulb. As far as I know you can get away with using a 9003 in place of an H4. The difference is supposed to be durability in the coils. H4 is "made" with thick coils to resist damage due to bumps and lack of cushy suspension as opposed to the 9003 which are meant for cars. They are rated the same (60/55w -12v) but you can usually get 9003's for cheaper.

[GsxrGregor]

I've got a Silverstar on my bike (high/low beam) and two in my car. They're great bulbs and throw out a lot more light than the stockers. They're priced better than the PIAA brand as well.

[Aeteocles]

Doc, do the 100w brights drain your battery? What kinda load is this putting on the electrica system...am I gonna get melted wires and junk?

[DOC]

Originally posted by Aeteocles
Doc, do the 100w brights drain your battery? What kinda load is this putting on the electrica system...am I gonna get melted wires and junk?
Not yet.:p I haven't used it a whole bunch but so far it's been ok. The SVS has two 55/60s so they are pulling 110 watts on low beam and 120 on high so I figure I should be safe. Speaking of safe, I tell ya I feel a whole bunch better with that 100 watt torch burning holes in the darkness when I'm up in the canyon.
DOC
Edit: Fuse will blow before wires will melt.

[racinteach]

just for some general info.I am currently running my 60W headlight (silverstars), and two 50W driving lights on the bike...so far no burned wires....then a again I wired correctly and did not tap off any wires on the bike....

[enos79]

I have (2) silverstars on my twin light setup on my 04 naked SV. Very bright compared to the stock, plus now I have 2 of them! ;) Check out my album for pics

[steveb]

I suggest you go to http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/

below the search box on the left is bulb types, click on "rally" (about 3/4 down the dropdown box)

Go past the 100w to the Philips Rally H7 80W bulb and buy a couple.

use them for Busa low beam, lasted 20k and 15k so far. Used two in my 01 Gix for 10k+, two in my 01 Falco for 6k miles. Only failure was at 20k at Laguna last year. Got a Silverstar at an autoparts store and took it out as soon as I got home, as it was too weak.

I don't blind people at night, but during the day drivers part a wide path so I can lanesplit with just my low beam on. I've had no wiring problem or lens melting with them, but when you put your hand in front of the headlight, you can feel the heat.

[SVSmiles]

Worth nearly $40...?

http://PROJECT-SV.COM/Lights/SVSmiles-Headlights-01.jpg . . http://PROJECT-SV.COM/Lights/SVSmiles-Headlights-02.jpg

Well, I've yet to take the SVS out at night to see first hand IF I think the color temp change alone makes much of a difference, but if I were to guess, the slight additional Wattage (from 45/45 up to 55/60) is not much more in effective output levels due to the filtering used to obtain the (4000K) color temp. FWTW...

PS. Slowmike really knows his lighting specs! Good guy to chat with about the topic...

[chukiechz]

I have a set of the Osram SilverStars in H4 if anyone wants to buy them. Took them out of my R6.

The difference is that the Osram doesnt have the blue tint on the bulb

$20 shipped.

[Peiell]

I've been eyeing some of the 90/100W H4 bulbs out there on the market for my 650n. Does anybody have a good reason not to do this? I figure the SVS is putting out 110W of light on low and 120W on high, why can't I do that with a single bulb?

[racinteach]

just watch the plastics and wring harness..

[TheForce02]

i have silverstars on my truck and what a diffrence they make. i have had them on for over a year and a half and no problems. when i had a leak in my fog lights and it blew one of them i put stock bulbs in and i noticed the diff. also if you looked at the truck the non silverstars looked yellow compared to the pure white of the silverstars. the next day i made sure i picked up another set of silverstars.
when i get the chance i am going to put them in the bike also

[racinteach]

silverstars are the way to go cheap and do a great job...

[chrissilverm]

i had the silverstars, then i tried the PIAA plasmas, HUGE improvement. much better light spectrum throw.

[soulofadra6o]

I have silverstars...no eletrical problems and had them about 6 months or so...i always ride with my high beams during the day...i like the whiter light...makes me more distinguishable in freeway traffic at night

[enos79]

mmm, i put dual silverstars on my naked SV. I can't say enough about how good they are. Only thing better is HID

[Peiell]

I just put in a 80/100W Heliolite yesterday, and the traffic seems to part much more readily during lane splitting. For the nakids guys and gals out there, I highly recommend a 100W high beam.

I just wish they made a 55/100W Silverstar though. Those things look pretty cool.

[MotoFool]

I just heard of a high intensity bulb made by Sylvania called the Silverstar H4ST. Anybody have an opinion on them, and/or where to buy them and for how much?

[racinteach]

I sense a merge coming..yes they are great get one..you will like it...there is a large thread on this already...

[spindarubber]

okay....so I want Silverstar H4ST's, but when it comes to gathering info from all of these posts It gets confusing :)

I have an 01 SVS. As I understand it...I need (2) 55W bulbs? Now are they both low AND high beams...or is that a different wattage measurement like 55/100 for example?

[bombay]

go HID with ballast and igniter...you won't go back ;)