GSF1200S Headlamps

[Sven]

Sometime back in a discussion about replacement headlamps, I noted that the replacement bulb is an H4.  However, I notice that on the dual headlight setup, one bulb has a painted tip, and one is clear glass.  So one of them is something else.  I'm guessing from the discussion noted above that H4 refers to the hi-beam, and that the low beam must have some other designation.  The OEM manual was no help at all, just gives wattage/voltage, nothing about the actual bulb type.  It's all too annoying...How is anyone supposed to know what to buy?

So...a guy walks into an Autozone (or shops online) and wants a replacement bulb for both headlights...what does he ask for?

(Here's a link to a sample product I am looking at:  http://www.bikebandit.com/product/16381)

[PitterB4]

Aren't H4s dual-filament bulbs used in the naked model?  The Bikebandit fiche says the low is 51w HB4 (9006) and the high is a 60w  HB3 (9005)... 

[Sven]

Aren't H4s dual-filament bulbs used in the naked model?

Dunno.  I just have a note to self from a thread some time back that the H4 would eventually be what I needed.  Maybe I misunderstood at the time.

The Bikebandit fiche says the low is 51w HB4 (9006) and the high is a 60w  HB3 (9005)

Yeah, I saw that, in fact, it was loaded in another tab in my browser when I typed my post above.  Part of my confusion.

I don't understand why the OEM service manual doesn't actually state what is needed.

The more I think about it, the more I seem to think the discussion was the HB4 and the H4 would be interchangeable.

[Red01]

Pitter is right, the H4 is a dual-fliament buld and is used for the naked models - and the 1G S's. 
The 2G S model uses 9005 (HB3) high beam & 9006 (HB4) low beam bulbs. 
With minor trimming to the splines on the bulb bases, the 2G S models can use 9011 & 9012 HIR bulbs. (See this FAQ thread.)
The newer 3G & 4G S models use H7's for high & low.

[Sven]

So I got new 9005 and 9006 bulbs.  They are Sylvania SilverStar Ultra bulbs, available at AutoZone for $25 each.  I looked at the low-end Sylvania bulbs.  I looked at the PIAA bulbs.  I decided to try to SilverStar Ultras because they promised to cast a brighter path.  They don't promise anything like purple or blue colors, for those who are impressed by that sort of thing.

I have not ridden at night with them yet, but just turning them on, they are much brighter than the near-six-year-old OEM bulbs (which were some sort of Sylvania).  Sure, anything new would be better than those old OEM bulbs, so I am looking forward to seeing these on a unlighted road.

Thanks to all who provided guidance on this topic.

[LowRyter]

The H4 bulb fits the single headlight Bandit, like my '98 B12.  Easy to upgrade.   picked up an 80/100 watt bulb at Autozone for $8.  Highly recommend it.

[02bandito1200S]

Sven,

  Put the same bulbs in my 02S a while back. I love them.  I have better lighing now on low than I had on high before.  The only problem I have with them (if you can call it a problem) is that in areas with lots of reflective signs I usually have keep it on low as you really get a lot of reflection from the signs on high beam.  I find I better road detailing at night, in the wet with these bulbs which always a good thing.

[Sven]

I usually have keep it on low as you really get a lot of reflection from the signs on high beam.

Maybe check headlight alignment?  Anyway glad to hear you've been pleased since
i still haven"t tried them yet.

[02bandito1200S]

 Alignment is spot on, I think it is just a combination of the brighter color temp and the bulbs actually putting out more light.  Now the reflective signs actually reflect light back at me.   It is only annoying in areas that have a large numberof signs and then I just flip to low and all is well.