Author Topic: 2G "S" headlamp upgrade (Read 82564 times)

Red01 · « **on:** October 02, 2005, 09:23:32 PM »

This is touched on in the FAQ, but I was wondering if any 2G "S" models owners have followed through and swapped the 9005 (HB3) high beam, 9006 (HB4) low beam bulbs for 9011 & 9012 HIR bulbs (as found on Dodge Vipers before they went to HID lights). Found a couple of sources for these here and here (scroll to the bottom).

The first link seems like a much better deal, but was just wondering if anyone has gone this route and if so, what do you think?

EDIT:
Since the first link is an ebay link, and has expired, just search ebay motors for 9011.
Alternately, they can be purchased thru their regular website, http://www.finemotoring.com/

Keep in mind you need to buy two bulbs.
A 9011 (to replace your 9005 high beam) and a 9012 (to replace your 9006 low beam).

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2005, 08:36:46 PM »

Looks like I'm the guinea pig. Ordered them today. Turns out the guy is fairly local, so they should be here real quick.

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2005, 10:45:45 PM »

They've already been shipped!

He said he's recieved several orders for Bandits in the last few days...

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2005, 07:58:24 PM »

Yup, they got here REAL quick. They showed up just before I had to leave for work. Had just enough time to open the box and make sure they weren't damaged. Will install them tomorrow.

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2005, 06:55:00 PM »

I took this opportunity to take the blockers out and check for the infamous black dust that seems to plague some 2G B6/12 S models. I didn't have any in the main housing, and a light coat in the projector housings. Some believe the dust is caused from the blockers rattling around inside the projector housings and this could very well be since the shiney was worn away where the blockers touched the reflectors. Anyway, the blockers are now out and the insides cleaned up.

To put the 9011/9012 bulbs in requires one tab on each bulb to be trimmed in length and width, but it was a piece of cake since the guy marks them in white where they need to be trimmed. A few seconds work with the little drum sander on my Sears copy of a Dremel and in they went.

Sorry, no before and after pics, the digicam is with the wife and she's out of town. The "in-the-garage-with-the-house-lights-turned-out" comparison says they are MUCH brighter.

The true night-time test will have to wait though... when I went out to do the bulbs, I discovered a flat rear tire. Further investigation found the nail. Oh well, I'm not too heartbroken over it, the Pilot Road had 9000 miles on it and was just about due for replacement anyway. (Got 10K out of the last one.)

Next step, while I have the fairing apart, modify the front blinkers for running lights.

OK, so I'm slow to get around to these things.

cb400bill · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2005, 08:15:35 PM »

Paul,

Sorry to hear about your tire. I have been monitoring this thread. Please let us know how you like your new lightbulbs.

Bill
02 B6

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2005, 08:19:46 PM »

From the looking at them in the garage part, I love 'em!

Will post another follow-up once I get to test 'em out at night on the road.
Should be in a week or so. Then I should be able to get a side-by-side photo of my bike next to another 2G with OEM bulbs for a photo.

ridenclimb · « **Reply #7 on:** October 06, 2005, 08:36:05 PM »

I am interested as well. Please post comparison pic when you get a chance. One of my gripes with the bike is the headlight. Anyway, thanks for being the guinea pig. Be sure and let us see the final results.

Already ordered heated grips which should be here tomorrow so I am looking for the next little project.

David
2001 Bandit 1200S
Helibars, Gel Seat, Holeshot 17" pipe, Stage 1 Jet kit, Busa rear shock
35k mi and still going strong :)

Red01 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 11, 2005, 10:03:59 PM »

From another thread:

Quote from: "naf02b12"

Wow! Those HIR bulbs are a big improvement over stock. They use the same wattage as the original 9005/6 headlight bulbs but they are way brighter. They do not have the "blue" tint but the lighting is so much better. If anyone is interested, go to:

http://www.finemotoring.com

The guy who sells them has great service and is very prompt with shipping. He's very willing to answer any questions you might have over email. They are a little pricey ($29.95 ea), but for me it was worth it to have better lights to see and to be seen. BTW - I'm not getting paid to advertise his stuff, I've just been really pleased with his product!

I also think I've figured out the weird shadows. The lights just needed to be adjusted up a little bit. I also think the next time I take the fairings off I will try to clean out the inside of the headlight assembly.

Keep the shiny side up,
Nerissa

This is the same source as the one I bought my set from on ebay.

HyperBlue · « **Reply #9 on:** October 22, 2005, 02:44:11 PM »

Paul,

Which place did you buy from? Was it the eBay link or the other site?

Thanks

Red01 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2005, 06:53:44 AM »

Quote from: "HyperBlue"

Paul,

Which place did you buy from? Was it the eBay link or the other site?

Thanks

In the thread I posted, just above your post:

Quote from: "Red01"

This is the same source as the one I bought my set from on ebay.

The ebay seller IS http://www.finemotoring.com

The IPF bulbs from Offroad Tuff are about twice as expensive - providing you can find someone to go in with you on a purchase since they only sell them in pairs of high or pairs of low beam.

HyperBlue · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2005, 01:36:40 PM »

Thanks for the info!!

Red01 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 23, 2005, 07:12:27 PM »

Just waiting for a lull in the rain so I can go test these out!

Red01 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 26, 2005, 02:26:57 AM »

I was able to get some night time pics of the lights, but haven't been able to get together with Bobcat for a side-by-side of the stock 9005/9006 vs 9011/9012.

9012 low beam, from an angle:

9011 high beam & 9012 low beam from the same angle as above:

Both beams from almost head-on:

9012 low beam shining on my garage door from ~20'
(There is a slight downhill to my drive where the bike was sitting.)

Both beams from the same spot:

Red01 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 30, 2005, 05:23:09 AM »

OK boys & girls, I finally got a chance to do a side-by-side between my Bandit with the 9011/9012 combo (and blockers removed) and Bobcat's Bandit with OEM 9005/9006 bulbs (and blockers still installed).

With both bikes lights on dim, stock bike on the left (with lurker Bobcat's smiling mug):

Both dims shining on the door, stock on the right:

With my bike on dim, stock bike on bright:

With both bikes on bright:

One thing the pictures don't show as well as real life is how much whiter the light is from the 9011/9012.

Remember, the 9011/9012 bulbs have the same current draw on the electrical system. Think the 9011/9012 bulbs are worth $30 a piece? I sure do!