Need advice: which bulb for my 1300c

[BANDIT01]

I just finished my first SS1000/Bunburner1500 in less than 24 hours. I noticed that my factory lamps are indeed not up to the task, but do not know what kind of lamp to use. I have the Hondaline Light bar with the 4.5" 25 watt H3 bulbs, and the stock headlamp which is 55/60 watt. I am wanting to replace both the headlamp bulb AND the lightbar bulbs with higher output bulbs, but do not know what to get. I looked at PIAA, which alot of folks on here recommend, but need some advice. I heard that too hot a bulb will either melt the lens on the headlight, and draw too many amps from the battery. Anybody out there do an upgrade to something thats good for those long jaunts across the desert??? Please advise as to what kind of lamp and give specs so I can look it up. Thanks!

[ironmorph]

I've only added a lightbar, and the alternator/stator barely handles that. I would be very careful not to add much more because these systems of ours are very weak, barely powering what we have on our bikes now. It's not like the wings that have heavy duty charging systems. I feel the lighting is poor as well, but until we have better charging systems, I am going to remain a minimalist. 8)

[silvervtx04s]

Use a Sylvania CoolBlue 9003 bulb its as good as any and not too expensive, two pack at wal mart for $18.00 .

[BANDIT01]

I was looking at the PIAA X-Treme White bulbs (H4 for the headlight and H3 for the driving lights). They only draw 55 watts but put out 110. Has anyone had any experiences with this kind of bulb? Just looking for some answers cause the stock light just is not sufficient. I was caught in 5 hours of torrential downpour during my Bunburner 1500 and could barely make out the road due to poor lighting. Have to try something. Thanks.

[BamrzVTX]

I ride to work before dawn, and switched over to the Silverstar bulb, same wattage as stock. It's MUCH brighter! I got mine at the local auto parts store for around $20. I've had one on my other bike for over a year with no problems.

Sue

[BANDIT01]

Thanks Sue for the input. I will go and check that particular type bulb out tommorrow. Thanks again!

DO NOT use a higher watt bulb. I put a 100/130 watt in my 05C and found out too late: it will burn out your starter switch. The wire that shuts off your headlight when you hit the starter is not big enough to handle the larger current. I got away with it for about 3 weeks, before it left me stranded and melted the contacts in the switch. Turned off the bike and the button went in and stayed in when I hit the starter. After I posted on the 1300 board, Chicago Spike told me about the wire issue. In order to use a higher watt bulb; you need to use a relay. There are diagrams for this on the tech sites.

[Bisley]

Greetings, SilverStar, SilverStar, SilverStar....I could not believe how much more light it puts out over stock. I have installed them in every thing I own :D :D :D and they are the right wattage so as not to overload the switch. I also use them in my turn signals (1156 and 1157) with clear lenses and my wife who also rides said the output is much brighter....she don't almost rearend me when I turn unexpectably. Just my 2 cents, Bisley

[BANDIT01]

Who makes the Silverstar? Do I just ask for Silverstar bulbs? It may sound stupid, but no question is a stupid one if you think about it.

[silvervtx04s]

Who makes the Silverstar? Do I just ask for Silverstar bulbs? It may sound stupid, but no question is a stupid one if you think about it.

Osram Sylvania, you can find them at Walmart...but save some money and get the Sylvania Cool Blue rated the same for about half the money.

[Miles]

You can go with the Silverstar and risk overloading your bike wiring
So I tryed this

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... highlight= (http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=121009&highlight=)

It works but for most it is a little high $309 for a HIGH and LOW light

You need to run it through a switch becouse it needs 5 sec. after you turn it off
Other than that it is a GREAT light
Gives you 6000 candle wats for 35 amps
I was looking into the honda line light bar for a back up
but never got around to it
My light has been on my bike for 3 years with no problems now

[silvervtx04s]

You can go with the Silverstar and risk overloading your bike wiring
So I tryed this

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... highlight= (http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=121009&highlight=)

It works but for most it is a little high $309 for a HIGH and LOW light

You need to run it through a switch becouse it needs 5 sec. after you turn it off
Other than that it is a GREAT light
Gives you 6000 candle wats for 35 amps
I was looking into the honda line light bar for a back up
but never got around to it
My light has been on my bike for 3 years with no problems now



The Silver star is the same wattage as stock....no risk of overloading..

[2002VTX]

I installed a Valeo Sylvania HID tri bar headlamp. This one was 7" so I went and purchased a larger headlamp bucket and an adapter plate to the new bucket would fit the 1800C. Then all the wiring that used to be in the bucket is now enclosed in a handlebar bag.

Light output is easily 3x that of stock, plus wattage is only 35 watts.

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/5142/2460925210038931575S425x425Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/6710/2276066220038931575S425x425Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/5057/2614120050038931575S425x425Q85.jpg