Making the headlight brighter

[my98xplorer]

Do any of you guys know of a way to make the headlight brighter? Even with the highbeam on, my headlight isnt really that bright. I want it to be bright like what a new bike is. I ride with my dad and his Hayabusa's headlight shines for like a mile in front of you it seems like, i want that. Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Get a halogen bulb. That should brighten things up for you. It's been so long ago that I bought mine I'm not sure if you need new glass also. That should be easy enough to find out however.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Get the sylvania H4 silverstar for motorcycles. Another thing to check is make sure you are getting the full battery voltage to the headlight If their is any problem You can run the headlight direct from the battery using a relay

[Planecrazy]

Silverstar!!! Almost as bright as the new HID lights you see in high end vehicles. If your bike has a sealed beam headlight you'll need to get an H-4 housing ... then you just replace the bulbs as needed.

They're not cheap, but you DO get what you pay for!!

Enjoy,
Steve 8)

[my98xplorer]

ok great thanks a lot guys! I found a silverstar on Ebay that im gonna try and win!

[SqDancerLynn1]

Make sure it is the Sylvania brand their are a lot of H4 bulbs on ebay that are JUNK

[Joe Nardy]

You can also add a relay that gives the bike power straight from the battery, bypassing the ignition switch (the ignition switch still works, it just activates the relay). Several of us have done this and boosted our voltage by a volt or more. That's an extra volt to your headlight, ignition, horn, etc.

Joe

[Planecrazy]

I wouldn't bother with Ebay on this item ... your local Walmart carries H-4 Silverstars in 2-packs for $36 or $37 bucks. It'll save you something like $5 a bulb over buying them in single packs, and you'll have an extra one ready when you need it.

By the way, there is an automotive equivalent number (I forgot which one it is), and I think that's the one Walmart carries. If you look closely at the package or bulb, though, you WILL find the H-4 designation which means it'll work just fine on the bike. I'm currently using this very same bulb.

Also, Lynn is absolutely correct -- make sure it is the actual Sylvania Silverstar brand or you won't be getting anything close to the best and brightest bulb.

Regards,
Steve 8)

[Joe Nardy]

The automotive equivalent to the H4 is 9003....................

[my98xplorer]

Would adding a relay have anything to do with my battery going dead so often? I added one already for my air horn and im just curious if adding another would cuase a problem?

[earlfor]

That depends on the relay. I have found instances where it took more power to close and hold closed, the relay than it did to run the accessory.

Earl

Would adding a relay have anything to do with my battery going dead so often? I added one already for my air horn and im just curious if adding another would cuase a problem?

[my98xplorer]

Well ill try the silverstar first and see how that works. If im still not satisfied then i may try the relay idea/

[earlfor]

I have a Silverstar in both my bikes. It lights a path about 50 feet wide and 450 feet long. :-)

Earl

Well ill try the silverstar first and see how that works. If im still not satisfied then i may try the relay idea/

[chrissinc]

I just use two candles instead of one!!! :-)

[bwringer]

Another vote for the Silverstar. Available at Wal*Marts everywhere as a 9003 for about $18 - $20. Worth every penny, and they don't draw any more current than a regular bulb.

Some say they don't last as long, but mine hasn't burned out yet. Even if it burned out every other month, it would still be worth it. They throw out a phenomenally bright beam of pure white light, not that annoying bluish green or pink from those no-name poser bulbs. Silverstars make ordinary halogens look sick.

I'd also mention you might want to perform the rituals prescribed in the Stator Papers to make sure your regulator/rectifier, stator, and wiring are up to snuff. But you've probably already done all that.

I've also seen a few headlights that are dirty on the inside. You may need to get a couple of chopsticks and use them to scrub the inside of the glass with a wad of paper towel and a bit of glass cleaner.