SuzukiSavage.com - 60/55w to 100/55w bulb

alcoa Full Member Offline never let the bastards wear you down Posts: 155	60/55w to 100/55w bulb 04/11/09 at 06:57:23 I want to get more light for driving at night. In DENNIS KIRK book the same type bulb is 40w brighter on high. At $4.99 is it the way to go?
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bill67 Serious Thumper Offline old tired Posts: 8517 genoa city wisconsin Gender:	Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb Reply #1 - 04/11/09 at 07:04:48 Thats the way I been going for years.works good.
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craigq

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Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb
Reply #2 - 04/11/09 at 07:08:57

I've read "Internet stories" (meaning I've never tried it or experienced it myself) of melted wiring harnesses from using a higher wattage bulb than OEM. It'll draw more current = more heat and the gauge of the wiring isn't designed for it.

Example warning here: http://store.candlepower.com/48nahiwamola2.html

Another problem people experience are plastics might melt with the higher wattage bulb (i.e. plastic reflectors, lenses etc).

Since the 100W is for the high beams and if you don't use it continuously you might be okay, but please don't take my word for it... if it was me I wouldn't do it. Have you researched an HID solution for motorcycles? eg http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/hid-motorcycle-driving-light/

EDIT: bill who has experience with the modification has had no problems so you should be okay Wink

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thumperclone Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline PGR rider riding with respect Posts: 7291 Grand Junction Colorado Gender:	Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb Reply #3 - 04/11/09 at 07:19:01 there are standard draw bulbs that give the same light as the 100 watt.. look at PIAA web site or google H4 bulbs
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Jay

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Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb
Reply #4 - 04/12/09 at 19:30:37

craigq wrote on 04/11/09 at 07:08:57:

I've read "Internet stories" (meaning I've never tried it or experienced it myself) of melted wiring harnesses from using a higher wattage bulb than OEM. It'll draw more current = more heat and the gauge of the wiring isn't designed for it.

Example warning here: http://store.candlepower.com/48nahiwamola2.html

Another problem people experience are plastics might melt with the higher wattage bulb (i.e. plastic reflectors, lenses etc).

Since the 100W is for the high beams and if you don't use it continuously you might be okay, but please don't take my word for it... if it was me I wouldn't do it. Have you researched an HID solution for motorcycles? eg http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/hid-motorcycle-driving-light/

EDIT: bill who has experience with the modification has had no problems so you should be okay Wink

I had exactly the highlighted above happen to me when I put in some brighter bulbs on another scoot of mine. I had accounted for the power draw, the wiring, etc.; but didn't think about the lenses or the housing for the bulb. That is, until I had a melted mess on my front end. I was so proud of myself... for about three minutes. Not a good day.

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youzguyz Serious Thumper Offline Posts: 2559 San Antonio, Texas Gender:	Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb Reply #5 - 04/13/09 at 05:22:50 I run high beam all the time during the day. I use the Syvlania SiverStar H4 bulb (60/55) and it is a lot brighter than stock. A lot of Auto Parts places will carry it. AutoZone, Pep Boys, etc
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Toymaker Serious Thumper Offline Dragon Rider Posts: 1534 Granite Falls, NC Gender:	Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb Reply #6 - 04/13/09 at 06:07:40 me too...that's what I run in the Savage...works much better than stock.
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PTRider

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Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb
Reply #7 - 04/13/09 at 07:24:44

Avoid PIAA and any blue dyed bulbs.

Here is some science on the matter:
http://danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/bulbs.html

European halogen bulbs can offer 30% or 50% more light (measured in lumens) for the same electrical consumption and heat output (measured in watts) due to their higher cost gases inside the bulb and more precise filament placement in the optical center of the headlight's reflector.

Anyone interested might contact Mr. Stern and ask if he has a suggestion for a better headlight for motorcycles. He might have a headlight for sale where the lens offers better light distribution on the pavement. If someone does contact Mr. Stern, please post the answer here.

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Savage_Amusement Serious Thumper Offline On this steel horse I ride. Posts: 1004 Omaha, NE Gender:	Re: 60/55w to 100/55w bulb Reply #8 - 04/13/09 at 07:27:23 PIAA makes bulbs that aren't blue as well. I have them in my car and they work amazingly. Even better than silverstars I have used in the past. You lose a lot with blue colored lights, I'm not arguing with that.
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