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H4 headlight upgrade

  • Thread starter Thread starter klrmtn
  • Start date Start date
Planecrazy said:
Mark, once you go H4 and eventually Silverstar, stock will NEVER be good enough for you ... the difference is THAT dramatic!

Enjoy,
Steve 8)
Click to expand...

I have to agree with Steve on this. This is a safety issue and IMHO $20 or $25 bucks that could save your life isn't worth scrimping on.

Joe
 
By the way, Joe, I finally discovered the "difference" between a Silverstar motorcycle H4 bulb and their automotive 9003/H4 (I happen to use the automotive 9003's myself). I went to Pepboys to take advantage of the aforementioned sale and put the two packages next to each other.

The 9003's have a bluish coating that apparently gives it a HID look ... the motorcycle H4 was clear. Whether there is an advantage to the bluing I don't know, but there is definitely a premium to be paid for the coating ... the single motorcycle H4 (they only sell them in singles for obvious reasons) was less than half the SALE price of the 9003 twinpack.

I'm going to have to reconsider in the future whether to buy the 9003's (I have three spares now so it'll be awhile) when the H4 is so much less expensive (and still a Silverstar).

Regards,
Steve 8)
 
Steve,

I think the H4 also has a stronger filament and support to deal with the added vibration of motorcycles, kind of like a rough service light bulb for trouble lights. Regardless, I havent blown a 9003 in several years of use.

Joe
 
This is interesting... I just got back from Advance Auto Parts to get a Silverstar. They have the 9003 in twin packs for about $37, and both the H4 and the 9003 in single packs for the exact sime price of about $20. I didn't notice the coating difference, but I did see that the wattage rating is different. The motorcycle H4 is 45/65, but the 9003 is 55/60. For some reason though, I think I remember the Sylvania website listing them both as 55/60? Not sure, I'll have to go back and confirm that.
 
I have run a H4 unit in my bikes since the late 70s. Never had a problem with bulb life. Have also used higher wattage bulbs with good success, although they will get a bit hot around town, so the nrmal wattage is probably better. A 130/90 really lights up your day :)
 
fastpakr said:
This is interesting... I just got back from Advance Auto Parts to get a Silverstar. They have the 9003 in twin packs for about $37, and both the H4 and the 9003 in single packs for the exact sime price of about $20. I didn't notice the coating difference, but I did see that the wattage rating is different. The motorcycle H4 is 45/65, but the 9003 is 55/60. For some reason though, I think I remember the Sylvania website listing them both as 55/60? Not sure, I'll have to go back and confirm that.
Click to expand...

I seem to remember that they are the same wattages also? I thought the only difference was in the construction of the filament and supports?

saaz said:
I have run a H4 unit in my bikes since the late 70s. Never had a problem with bulb life. Have also used higher wattage bulbs with good success, although they will get a bit hot around town, so the nrmal wattage is probably better. A 130/90 really lights up your day :)
Click to expand...

Another thing to consider is the delicate nature of the electrical systems on these bikes. I remember someone posting they put a high wattage bulb in a GS and the wiring harness started burning up in a matter of minutes. I ran a 100/90 in my GS for a short time and the Silverstar is just as bright and has a better light pattern.

Thanks,
Joe
 
The wattage was the same on the two I compared at Pepboys, and a twinpack of 9003's (with the coupon from last Sunday's paper) is $29.95, AND there is a $5 mail-in rebate ...$25 for TWO 9003's is a deal!!

By the way, I have been running a 9003 for about two years now (at Joe Nardy's suggestion), and haven't blown it yet...

Regards,
Steve 8)
 
That is a great deal, for $25 I would have grabbed a 2 pack regardless of model.

The wattage thing is bizarre. I just confirmed that Sylvania's website says 55/60 for the H4ST, but the H4ST package I've got in front of me on the desk clearly says '12 volts, 65/45 watts' as well as 'FOR MOTORCYCLE USE ONLY'.
 
My new clutch cable(s) showed up today, so I had a chance to try out the Silverstar tonight. The difference between it and the stock light a couple of weeks ago is simply spectacular. Being able to go from that to this with a spare bulb stored on the bike for about $40 is something you shouldn't even consider - just do it. I found an old pill bottle around the house that was the perfect size to keep the spare protected and dry. It fits perfectly inside the rear light housing behind the seat - I just cable tied it there and it takes up zero space that I'd ever use otherwise. If anybody wants, I can have my fiance take a bulb to the pharmacy to find out what 'standard' container fits best so you guys can stop by and grab a spare container locally. I can't imagine they'd want much for it if you could find a helpful pharmacist/tech.
 
My experience also. I've been told lifespan of the Silver star is short, but my 1150 has had the same Silverstar in it for 3 years.

Earl

Planecrazy said:
By the way, I have been running a 9003 for about two years now (at Joe Nardy's suggestion), and haven't blown it yet...

Regards,
Steve 8)
Click to expand...
 
A great storage container for spare bulbs is a length of foam pipe wrap. (as sold at Home Depot etc) Just snip off the needed length of foam wrap and put a wrap of masking tape over the ends. Vibration and drop proof.
:-) I also store spare tailight and turn signal bulbs on the bike this way.

Earl


fastpakr said:
My new clutch cable(s) showed up today, so I had a chance to try out the Silverstar tonight. The difference between it and the stock light a couple of weeks ago is simply spectacular. Being able to go from that to this with a spare bulb stored on the bike for about $40 is something you shouldn't even consider - just do it. I found an old pill bottle around the house that was the perfect size to keep the spare protected and dry. It fits perfectly inside the rear light housing behind the seat - I just cable tied it there and it takes up zero space that I'd ever use otherwise. If anybody wants, I can have my fiance take a bulb to the pharmacy to find out what 'standard' container fits best so you guys can stop by and grab a spare container locally. I can't imagine they'd want much for it if you could find a helpful pharmacist/tech.
Click to expand...
 
Great idea, Earl! I have some of that stuff in my garage just waiting to be utilized!! Better than carrying the blister pack in my hardbags ... less chance of it being damaged by the other stuff I toss in there!

Thanks!
Steve 8)
 
Cheap too. :-) A 5 ft length should be about a lifetime supply. :-)

Earl

Planecrazy said:
Great idea, Earl! I have some of that stuff in my garage just waiting to be utilized!! Better than carrying the blister pack in my hardbags ... less chance of it being damaged by the other stuff I toss in there!

Thanks!
Steve 8)
Click to expand...
 
OK well I have read enough. I'll be doing this too.

So Silverstar 65 watt is what I want huh?
 
Yeah, either the H4 ST or the 9003 ST. Theoretically the H4 version is somehow 'better' for motorcycle use, and depending on where you look the wattage is different. On the other hand, I'd just buy what's cheaper - they're the same MSRP though as far as I can tell.
 
And the power drain is not going to impact my 28 year old charging system? Or do these bulbs use less power?
 
Looks like I will try this on my 1985 GS300LF. Does the JC lamp housing fit all of those wires I see coming out of my oem housing?

Good day,
intercessor
 
Measured my OEM housing/lamp. The lamp is 6" and the housing is 6.5". The wattage is 45/40. So I am assuming an extra 10 to 15 watt train won't harm anything.

intercessor

1985 GS300LF
 
Hi :lol: :lol:


In a not so serius test in Sveden,they put the 3 bulbs in the same car and tested how many meters the road vas visible.

1 PHILIPS H4 Vision Plus
2 General electric H4 Megalight Plus
3 Silvania silverstar


Philips won,,,

I have Philips 55/60 in my GS
 
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