Advice on headlight lighting

[mrhammer2u]

The stock headlight may as well be a flashlight taped to the handlebars...as you all know. After doing some research and dredging up old threads, I wanted some current advice/thoughts.

1. Are the aftermarket Sylvania bulbs a decent upgrade? They claim 40% more light output and all you have to do is plug it in.

2. HID conversion? I'm confused as to what I would need to do this. 35W? 55W? H4, H6? Want to make sure my hi and lows work without issue.

Thanks all!

[crazy steve]

The OEM lights used on these were never spectacular performers even when new, although compared to other OEMs they weren't bad at the time. Add in years of age, and lighting can fall off rather badly. Mediocre optics at best, and degraded reflectors that reduce/scatter the output are typical problems compared to modern units.

You'll get multiple options for 'upgrades', but installing a brighter lamp in the existing housing may or may not offer an improvement. You may get 'better' light, but you may also be blinding oncoming drivers; not exactly a 'safety' improvement.

Best bet IMO? Swap to a new Cibie unit. First-class optics and quality, and a 7" unit will bolt-in... http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html

Those 'hid' conversions really need special optics, and virtually all of them on the market are illegal without them.

[IanDMacDonald]

+1 on what Steve said. I pm'd him in the beginning asking his advice on headlight options. I use the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra in my Suzuki GS, and notice a difference, but not dramatic. If you're looking for dramatic, drop some cash for a 7" Truck-Lite LED bulb. You'll be VERY pleased!

[mrhammer2u]

Hi Steve. What's the difference between the Cibie and the factory lighting? On their site now. Can't tell if the lens comes with bulb or not.

[natemoen]

Hi Steve. What's the difference between the Cibie and the factory lighting? On their site now. Can't tell if the lens comes with bulb or not.

The difference is optic quality. The stock one is poor glass and poor reflection characteristics.

[crazy steve]

You get just the lens and sealing boot, but he'll sell you a lamp if you want. These use a 'standard' H4 lamp, available anywhere; Sylvania is a good brand.

Difference? It's all about quality and design... You get a precision metal reflector (not a 'close enough' plastic one) with first-class silvering. Optical-quality glass lens with high transmission rate, not the usual mason-jar glass or plastic found in cheaper OEM or aftermarket units. While lamp output will effect lighting, how well the output is transmitted/focused is more important IMO. While a brighter lamp in a poor housing will give you more light, blinding oncoming drivers doesn't contribute anything to either of your safety.

My current cage is a '13 Mustang with the much-touted HID headlights. Now, FWIW these are pretty good lights (being a factory-designed system with proper optics), but they still aren't quite the equal of the set of Euro-spec Cibies I had in a '70 Montego 'back in the day'. Properly adjusted, those would light road signs at nearly a mile out on high, all without blinding oncoming drivers when on low (while still giving excellent lo-beam performance). Now, with only one lamp on a bike, you can't expect quite that good.... but one will get close.

A Cibie will be a plug-and-play deal, unlike a HID or LED 'conversion'. Easy to find replacement lamps, no rewiring on the bike and you can retain all factory features.

[crazy steve]

And for those with the square 'standard' headlight (for which there isn't any aftermarket bolt-in replacement), here's how to fab up an adaptor for cheap...
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33251

[mrhammer2u]

Thanks Steve. U da man!

[CatatonicBug]

I'll second the Truck-lite bulb. Complete drop-in replacement with no mods needed, and incredible light output! A bit pricey, but LEDs are supposed to last a lot longer than any other light source.

[kflyboy]

Lighting

The stock headlight may as well be a flashlight taped to the handlebars...as you all know. After doing some research and dredging up old threads, I wanted some current advice/thoughts.

1. Are the aftermarket Sylvania bulbs a decent upgrade? They claim 40% more light output and all you have to do is plug it in.

2. HID conversion? I'm confused as to what I would need to do this. 35W? 55W? H4, H6? Want to make sure my hi and lows work without issue.

Thanks all!

Check out DDM Lighting. I bought the H4 55W ballast kit with the 6,000K super white hi/lo bulb. Mount the ballast and plug in everything else.

[IanDMacDonald]

Hate to say it, but DDM is a supplier of the same Chinese junk that everyone else sells. Those ballasts don't last long. Unless you're content buying a new one every few years.

[Gmac]

Looking at their page

I saw "All DDM HID kits come with our Lifetime Warranty as well!" so I suspect you can get replacements if it goes dark.

My interest in this type of lighting is particular because the last time I rode I met Wanda Sue Beason inverted in mid air as I passed over the hood of her car staring in at her wide eyed shocked face after I parked my XS850 on her fender just behind the wheel when she pulled out from a red light at a busy intersection.

I want the brightest light out there to prevent idiocy from repeating itself.

[IanDMacDonald]

One of my favorite authors, Josh Billings once said: "Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but dreadful uneasy to take." Trust me, don't waste your money on something you know will have to be replaced. Been down that road, thought it was cool and super-bright till the ballast went after only one season. Bought another, same thing. Bought one from DDM and compared to the ebay Chinese ones, SAME EXACT THING internally. Do a post search on here of people using HID's, and see how many times they had to be replaced. At $50 a pop with shipping, it adds up. Dont ignore good advice . . .

[Gmac]

So instead of an HID setup go with a Cibie 7 inch Round Headlight?

Will the Cibie be a direct replacement or are there modifications to make to the shell and headlight ring?

I want a bright, noticeable headlamp for somewhat obvious reasons and really wouldn't care for the downtime waiting for replacement pieces for the HID, even with a 'lifetime' replacement guarantee.

[Gmac]

Emailed the site from Crazy Steve's that sells the Cibie headlamp replacement.

I don't care about the price because if it keeps a car out of my path and lights the darkness ahead I'll be happy.

TY for making it an easier choice rather than experimenting with cash.