Brighter Headlight Bulbs

[Nomad Z]

The headlight on my Gladius isn't exactly inspiring (I assume it's the OEM bulb). It's particularly bad when there's oncoming traffic on a somewhat bendy A road that's on my commute home. At those times, dipped beam might as well not be there. On full beam, I'd say it's barely adequate.

Been thinking about getting one of those extra bright types, like these...

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-bulbs/halfords-ultra-brilliance-headlight-bulb-472-h4

...or these...

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-bulbs/halfords--130-brighter-headlight-bulb-472-h4

How much of a difference do they really make? Any reason to chose one of the above over the other? What about reliability? (I've got a Halfords gift voucher, so if they're as good as any, I'd prefer to go there.)

[NJD]

Halfrauds.

Someone who works their told a friend that bulbs only have a lifespan of about three months from that place, can't be sure if it's true or how true but they don't have the best reputation at times so wouldn't be surprised.

(I have no actual experience of halfrauds bulbs).

[MCN]

PIAA Expensive but very bright.

Or Osram/Philips Extreme.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[bugeye_bob]

avoid anything Halfrauds branded, a member on here had a lot of headlamp issues with H`s own brand lamps, they replaced with a decent brand and they had no more issues.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=4209074&highlight=#4209074

[Ste]

[smegballs]

What voltages are you getting up at the headlight bulb connector?

The biggest improvement on lots of bikes would be through fitting heavy wires with relays to get as much voltage at the bulb as possible. Manufacturers tend to skimp on wiring thickness (copper = expensive), plus add in a bit of corrosion on the connectors and the voltage magically leaks away....

Higher wattage bulbs just make the problem worse as higher currents lead to more resistance and more voltage drop.

[Nomad Z]

I'll stay away from the Halfords bulbs, then.

[Copyhat]

[stonesie]

I have had a good result with these...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Osram-H4-NightBreaker-Unlimited-2-Bulbs-/281809889806?hash=item419d2daa0e:g:M0sAAOSwEK9T7zOL

Had them in my STR and my last car, pretty good upgrade over standard and there are cheaper ones on ebay in card blister packs but I'm always weary of fakes on there, more likely to be in the cheaper packaging in my mind.

[pinkyfloyd]

I fitted this

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/motorcycling/motorcycle-parts/halfords-bike-it-motorcycle-bulb-hmb472sbb-h4-12v-60-55w

Made a big difference to the OEM ones and it has been in the bike for over a year now. Not as bright as some I have seen but brighter than standard and no issues.
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[talkToTheHat]

Every bike i've had has had the stock bulb replaced with a Phillips motovision or extreme power. Motovision is better than stock but not awesome, very yellow. Was using a spare. Dropped the good bulb cleaning the headlight when i was messing about with spotlights, so was on motovision for the last few months.

Tempted to try the osram nightbreakers, they are very cheap.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[smegballs]

[smegballs]

[WD Forte]

Yeah, screw Halfrauds its a feckin toyshop
Expensive too.
Check out Ebay or Eurocarparts ( buy online and collect for best prices)

Get a meter and check the charging system and wiring/switches/connectors too
as a poor supply means a dimmer bulb
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bikers smell of wee

[Nomad Z]

Doesn't this have something to do with battery/charger capacity (ability to delivery current)?

The loses due to the resistance of the wiring should be negligible if it isn't heating up - a few milliohms - so voltage drop over the wire should be tiny compared to that over the bulb (which is maybe a couple of ohms?).

I appreciate that a voltmeter can read a higher voltage when there is no bulb fitted - the meter has a much higher resistance, so there's very little current, but the reduced voltage when the bulb is fitted shouldn't change that significantly if the supply and wiring are capable of delivering the required current. (I think...)

Is this one of those equivalent circuit things? Something to do with the internal resistance of the power supply increasing when current draw goes up?

[Nomad Z]

[quote="smegballs"]

[smegballs]

Yeah it is usually either connectors, or where a nicked insulation that lets the moisture in. That said on older bikes, I have seen "electrical rot" where you strip back a wire and its just a dull black copper-oxide color rather than bright copper.

I haven't done all of them yet, but on my bike all the connectors on the wires associated with the ignition circuits have been removed from their blocks, cleaned with wet'n'dry to a nice bright brass, then re-assembled with plenty of silicon grease to waterproof and prevent future corrosion.

Last time I was in portugal I was riding through such heavy rain visibility was down to about 40 meters (massive storms in the autumn) yet the bike didn't miss a beat. I'd like to think the comprehensive waterproofing of the electrics helped in the matter.

[smegballs]

[kawakid]

I used to use Philips bulbs, but they were too expensive ~ £25 for a pair.

I now use Osram Night Breakers ~ £12 per pair, probably not quite as bright as the Philips. But very good non the less. I use them on the bikes and the car. Luckily both bikes and the car are all H7

I do a lot of night time driving (country roads) and the difference between stock is significant.

One thing, I tend to get flashed in the car all I can think is that some people think I have the main beam on.
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I've a twin and a 4.

[pdg]

I've never had an issue with any bulb from halfords, they usually last about 3-10 years or so.

Plus, if you know someone with a special type of halfords card, the bulbs are about thruppence ha'penny each
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Any and all advice given should not be followed - if you have to ask it means you don't know so get a man in to do it for you.

[Pigeon]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Nomad Z]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Nomad Z]