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Brighter/better headlight bulbs?

  • Thread starter Iain Morrison
  • Start date
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Iain Morrison

Guest
I'm doing a lot of night time miles at the moment and I'd like a brighter headlight.

Can anyone recommend a good headlight bulb upgrade. Can I fit a 100/80W bulb without suffering meltdown in the unit or should I stick to one of those claimed brighter 60/55W bulbs?

Thanks,

Iain
 
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Snowdog

Guest
Iain stick to the 60/55w bulbs 50%brighter as these are the correct wattage for the bike. I know of the 100w and 80w bulbs but to be honest i wouldn't risk it as its a fair increase in load on the electrics.

If you want to compare like for like I travel to Polmont just about every other day on the Blackbird and have a pair of 50% brighter 60/55w fitted, we could meet up and compare like for like?
 
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Iain Morrison

Guest
Thanks for the info. Are these the Philips Visionplus bulbs which you've got? Are they easily available from Halfords or one of the other biggies?
I find that the bird's headlights are definitely lacking a bit compared to my VFRs setup. Plently of magazine reviews have raved about the Blackbird's lights but I'm pretty unconvinced. Even with the light adjusted upwards slightly to throw the beam further, the single high bean bulb struggles to light the road ahead.
 
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Snowdog

Guest
Iain either Phillips Visionplus(Recommend) or Bosch will do the job.

Have heard of similar complaints from other Bird owners but these seem to be the minority rather than the majority. Personally I've had two Birds now (also had a VFR) and both lights have been compared to that of the Sun by various friends of mine.

Bear in mind though that depending on what VFR your have off there are some models that had been rumoured time and time again to have the strongest/brightest lights in the business.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Steve Walker

Steve Walker

Registered User
Ian, I read somewhere that not all bulbs are suitable for plastic headlights. The Philips vision plus are supposed to be OK though. I have had them fitted to my bird for about three years now and there have been no problems. I haven't done a lot of night riding, but when I have done, have been a bit disapointed with the Blackbird lights. The new bulbs made a bit of difference. But they are still not that brilliant. I have just raised the headlight aim a bit but haven't tried it yet.
 
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brucekidd

Guest
headlight

One of the first things I always do with a new bike is upgrade the headlight to in the past 100/80`s although recently I managed to get hold of 120/100`s which are excellent.(illegal but good)
The bikes electrics are well capable and no problem overheating, also never had a problem with anyone flashing me.
 
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Superbobbird

Guest
What make of bulbs do you use 120/100?
 
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brucekidd

Guest
bulb

they are mail order out of a rally magazine,they are avaliable in any size from 50 to 140 (strictly for off road use of course) I`m sorry I can't remember the name of the manufacturer.
 
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fastasfck

Guest
I got Rainbow 100w bulbs from performance motorcycle parts online from Pitlocherie Scotland and they are brilliant. Had them about a year now and no problems and they look as cool as fkc
 
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