Guest MrGone Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I'm not sure if this is a question for the Modification forum or the Maintenance forum, but I'm wondering is anyone has replaced the H7 55-watt bulbs on their 6th gen bike with the H7 100-watt bulbs? Overheating? Electrical shorts? Blown fuses? I might upgrade the entire electrical system this winter, but I have a big tour of the U.S. planned in a month and I'm looking to simply replace all the light bulbs (which all need to be replaced, anyway) but I'm wondering if going from 55-watt H& high beams up to 100-watt high beams is going to cause me any problems. Anyone have any experience with this sort of simple upgrade? And what type/brand did you use? Specifically, I'm looking at the Sylvania SilverStars, which are supposed to be pretty good without breaking the bank. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 (edited) Id use GE brand Bulbs , avoid Phillips , and silver stars are known high failure, the ultras might be a little better. But the cost of those bulbs , is a gamble. But ive had Ge walmart in my bike for the last 50 or 60,000 miles, where I was blowing the phillips every few months. Edited April 16, 2011 by spud786 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDO-VFR Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 Ahh yes...brighter bulb syndrome.... For the sake of this discussion, I'll assume you are staying with Halogen type bulbs. The long and the short of it, the brighter the bulb, the shorter the life. I know some people may disagree but as I understand it ALL incandescent bulbs run hotter the brighter they are. So if you want more lumens (light) you have to burn more power, which means more heat in that tiny, itsy, bitsy little filament. So those 'extra bright' bulbs (Silverstar et al) don't last long because they reduce the filamet resistance slightly to burn brighter (and hotter) and as we all know lifespan is ferociously tied to heat in all things electrical and mechanical. After saying all that, I think running 100W units in place of the standard 50W (I thought H7s were 50, H4s are 55W) will result in lotsa light but at a cost of extreme operating temps around the bulb and local wiring, not to mention taxing our 'fragile' electrical system. A little off topic but 210W of running lights is not enough for you (2x H4 + 2x H7)? Have you verified the aim of you lights? Each one is adjustable for left/right and up/down. Also remember if you change your pre-load the aim changes as well. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer 2FAST4U Posted April 16, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 16, 2011 I agree with both of these guys: Silverstar bulbs don't last long. Forum member Tightwad recently came out with an HID kit for the 6th gen. VFR. You may want to look into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Ripper Posted April 16, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 16, 2011 I have Tightwads HID kit in my 6th gen. The light pattern is good, visibility is incredible and HID bulbs last forever... oh and only 35watts! If you really want to stick with Halogen bulbs, look into the PIAA replacements ($$$$). I ran them in all of my ATV's, they put out more light at the same wattage and I can't say that I ever remember having to replace one, even with all the jarring around they took in the off road environment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer vfrjim2002 Posted April 16, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 16, 2011 I've run Phillips Vision Plus (IIRC) in the stock wattages. for the last 25,000 miles and have no complaints. I have run higher wattages in the past and can attest to two things: - they run substantially hotter (I ran them in in a single head light set up in a metal shell/reflector. - they REQUIRE higher rated relays and heavier wireing. I used 12 ga. You might want to look at auxiliary lights instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Switchblade Posted April 16, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 16, 2011 If buy tightwad HID conversion no need for high beams !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyA Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 I'm using the PIAA bulbs now. H7's and H4's. I like the white light better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MrGone Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 I'm using the PIAA bulbs now. H7's and H4's. I like the white light better. Rusty - no overheating or electric problems? And did you notice a difference with visibility range? Are they white? Or very light blue? Also, I'm finding these lights for around $50-$55 per pair — is that about what you paid? thanks, Matthew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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