Need advice in replacing headlamp bulb

[mistercindy]

My only real complaint about my R1150R is the poor lighting at night. I'd like to replace the bulb with something that is more effective but I don't know much about the process, bulbs, what works, what doesn't, ease of doing so, etc... My questions:

- What bulbs have you used? Brands? White? Higher wattage?
- Is there an issue with the electrical system handling extended use of a non-OEM bulb?
- If some bulbs are okay with the electrical system and some are not, what do I look for to know for sure?
- Ease of doing the job? Need any special tools or parts or any other complications?

I'd appreciate any advice you can offer.

[DJ Downunder]

I also thought the stock lighting was poor...this is what I did.

Pop into your local auto store (Autobarn) and ask for a standard headlight globe/bulb...I bought a Philips H4 VisionPlus...55-65w I think...the same as standard.

http://www.eur.lighting.philips.com/aut ... nplus.html

Go home with it a use a screw driver and undo the screw that holds the front of the headlight on.

Once you have the headlight apart you will see a clip that holds the globe/bulb in...open it and swap with the new one.

Be careful not to touch the glass part of the globe/bulb with your fingers.

Put it back together and Vola!...all done and it should have only taken about 20 minutes tops...and about $15 for the new globe/bulb.

I found the light much brighter and whiter.....anyway that's what I did.

DJ

[bakernks]

DJ's described the best course of action. I'll do my best to add some technical descriptions here, but I'm no expert:

The alternator has the output to handle stronger lights, I.E. higher wattage bulbs, the problem with bumping up to higher bulbs with the stock wiring is that the power is routed through the switchgear, which is fine for normal wattage bulb current draw, but when someone just pops in a 100 watt headlight bulb, it may...can...melt wires, blow fuses or conceivably cause a short in a switch or possibly fire from overheating.

I changed to a super blue white Sylvania of the standard wattage and was happy with that. This issue is why you see serious Long Distance riders with relays, additional switchgear, and paired up hi-intensity lighting such as PIAA on the front of their R1150GS, RT and others. The alternator can handle these, but they need seperate circuits.

[rdsmith3]

I installed a 90W/100W bulb (Philips, I think).

As noted above, it is important to use a relay.

I use this one for ease of installation. It has worked very well
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Home/Main/ ... _kits.html

This brighter headlight, along with a set of Motolights, has made a world of difference in being able to see better at night.

[Lance1150]

Keep the standard bulb, but just start driving during the day.

That saved you some trouble now didn't it...