New Headlight Bulb

[Honda Lover_imp]

I was recently researching some LED headlight options to brighten up the front and increase visibility to other motorists. I often read while an LED bulb gave off more light, beam length and dispersion varied depending on the type of reflector housing and shape of the bulb. Rather than chance LED and install another relay, I went the most certain route and purchased a Piaa H4 Extreme White Plus 55watt halogen bulb. Piaa part number 15224. Same actual wattage as stock) I actually bought a 2 pack for $55 w/free shipping off eBay as I installed one in my 08 VTX1800 T as well. It accomplishes exactly what I was looking to do with an easy install. Take a look at before & after photos. It's a whiter, longer casting beam. Almost has an HID look. 15"+ of snow will prevent a road test until Spring buy it passed the "garage test" .


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[metallyguitarded_imp]

Nicely done. I've been happy with stock bulb, finding it more than adequate to light the roadway. But I'm definitely interested in something like this. Brighter, whiter light with the same draw on the battery? What's not to like? Thanks for the post!

 

[ClassicVW_imp]

I too, thought the stock headlight was good and white. But I came to the CB1100 after owning CBs from 1978 and 1981, so I was used to headlights that seemed a bit yellowish and not as bright.

Your replacement bulb certainly looks to be an improvement over stock. Probably similar to the Sylvania Silverstar Ultras I add to all my cars. But I go a different route on the bikes. Its been my experience that a single headlight, no matter the brightness, confuses a lot of the brain dead drivers out there and they can't process that a motorcycle is approaching, but think it's a car with a headlight out. Since you want to be noticed by other motorists, I always felt that adding a couple of driving lights to the bike makes you more visible, more recognizable as a motorcycle, and also adds more light down the road.

 

[Honda Lover_imp]

I actually don't ride much passed dusk and the few times I do I found the stock headlight more than adequate for my vision. This bulb is for others to see me. I agree with classic VW. Creating a "Triangle of Lights" on the front of the bike would greatly help other motorists see you sooner. I have that on my 08 VTX1800T.


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[INTP_imp]

What front fender is that?

 

[Blockhead_imp]

I actually don't ride much passed dusk and the few times I do I found the stock headlight more than adequate for my vision. This bulb is for others to see me. I agree with classic VW. Creating a "Triangle of Lights" on the front of the bike would greatly help other motorists see you sooner. I have that on my 08 VTX1800T.


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Your bike looks great....Where did you get the red side covers?

 

[vfrpaul98_imp]

good information about colored lights and performance here.
Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
my quest started with my 2012 Honda crv which with shared opinions, it has very poor head light performance with the factory H4 BULBS. I tried the fancy Piaas and Sylvanias with no luck. I performed the voltage drop test on the bulb harness and determined that I could run a higher wattage bulb with no danger to overheat of the bulb harness or socket or reflector. Mr Stern suggested I try these http://store.candlepower.com/64205.html. I can only say it has improved the lighting up to where it should have come from the factory. I am very pleased and I also installed one in my cb1100 and wow. just my 2 cents
Paul
<b>Osram Rallye 70/65w +50 H4 bulb</b> 64205

 

[Honda Lover_imp]

Samurider.com based out of Japan is where I and many others on the forum bought red side covers. Takashi Takase, or on this forum aka "Mr. T" is the main contact at Samurider. You can email him directly at contact@samurider.com. Samurider is also a forum sponsor. Mr T is first class when it comes to service and communication. Type "side covers" in the search engine and you should find lots of info. There are quite a few threads on that.


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[DGShannon_imp]

good information about colored lights and performance here.
Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
my quest started with my 2012 Honda crv which with shared opinions, it has very poor head light performance with the factory H4 BULBS. I tried the fancy Piaas and Sylvanias with no luck. I performed the voltage drop test on the bulb harness and determined that I could run a higher wattage bulb with no danger to overheat of the bulb harness or socket or reflector. Mr Stern suggested I try these http://store.candlepower.com/64205.html. I can only say it has improved the lighting up to where it should have come from the factory. I am very pleased and I also installed one in my cb1100 and wow. just my 2 cents
Paul
<b>Osram Rallye 70/65w +50 H4 bulb</b> 64205

Excellent link! Very informative, and eye opening to the lingo and scams.

 

[Honda Lover_imp]

Sorry for delay INTP. The Front fender is the Whitehouse "K" replica available on Samurider.com. The overall build/fit & finish quality is exceptional. Easy to install as well. For me, I was lured to the retro looking struts and the longer fender. Looks just like the original CB750K front fender. Also, from a functional standpoint, it does an excellent job reducing road spray from hitting the headers and oil cooler. Alternately for significantly less $, if the actual struts are less appealing, many people add a "fender extender" to simply reduce road spray. Use the search feature. I seem to recall a few members buying this on the forum and they were happy as well.


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[Lord Popgun]

Yes, I have the FendaExtenda by Pyramid plastics and so do a number of us. It works very well and you do not have to drill and rivet. You can bond it on with your favorite adhesive. Some have used epoxy. I used 3M5200 fast cure, a marine adhesive.

 

[Honda Lover_imp]

I was recently researching some LED headlight options to brighten up the front and increase visibility to other motorists. I often read while an LED bulb gave off more light, beam length and dispersion varied depending on the type of reflector housing and shape of the bulb. Rather than chance LED and install another relay, I went the most certain route and purchased a Piaa H4 Extreme White Plus 55watt halogen bulb. Piaa part number 15224. Same actual wattage as stock) I actually bought a 2 pack for $55 w/free shipping off eBay as I installed one in my 08 VTX1800 T as well. It accomplishes exactly what I was looking to do with an easy install. Take a look at before & after photos. It's a whiter, longer casting beam. Almost has an HID look. 15"+ of snow will prevent a road test until Spring buy it passed the "garage test" .


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Bulb part number update & correction: The correct Piaa bulb for motorcycles is Piaa bulb 70456 which features the anti vibration feature. The Piaa 15224 bulb stated in my original post has the correct wattage and fitment, however it was designed for automobiles and does not specify the anti vibration feature for motorcycles. If you like this type of lighting for your headlight, be sure to order the motorcycle specific Piaa 70456 bulb.


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[Ghis_imp]

What kind of saddle bag / set up do you have on?

 

[Honda Lover_imp]

I ordered the slant pair of chrome saddle bag CB1100 brackets from Samurider (Willie & Max) and only installed left side for a Solo bag look. I had the leather Solo bag custom made by a company called Leatherworks out in CA. It's high grade leather with red stitching to match the red stitching in the seat and quick release Buckle. It's just large enough to fit tools, rag, spot/bug cleaner, gloves, and other small items. The bag is 14" w x 12 L x 3" d. I made my own custom inserts/cuts in the back of the bag where heavy gauge lock straps secure to the saddlebag solo bracket. It works well for me, easy to install and holds the bike to a vintage 70's look.


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