Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: Sven on November 02, 2008, 03:04:22 PM
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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)
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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)...
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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.
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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.) (http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=2982.0)
The newer 3G & 4G S models use H7's for high & low.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. :motorsmile: It is only annoying in areas that have a large numberof signs and then I just flip to low and all is well.