Triumphrat

RONNS · 11-01-2009, 01:46 AM

Hey all. I'm in need of a brighter head light for my 2002 Thunderbird.

It seems dim and it really keeps me from doing a lot of night riding. I hate hiting pot holes. Most of the state roads are dark near where I live and the speed limit is 50 mph.
Has anyone done a duel set up? What about the Xenon, is there one for this bike? Or is there one everyone else uses that is better then stock? Thanks in advance for the help. Ron.

denny · 11-01-2009, 02:44 AM

Sylvania SilverStars are considerably brighter than stock.
Their site claims 30 - 35% brighter.

I can tell you the difference is very noticable.
They have some uprated ones (SilverStar Ultra) that came out recently, I've not tried those yet.

Their european affiliate Osram, makes some for the European market that are brighter than the ones available in the US.

There are HID conversions available, but I've not seen anyone post any results in this forum.

TonyD · 11-01-2009, 08:39 AM

Have a look at this thread

ssevy · 11-01-2009, 11:19 AM

The Philips bulb I installed was a huge improvement. I just spent some time rummaging in my parts bin and looking at my old receipts, but I can't find the model number or the vendor. I bought them from a store in the UK, and they only came in pairs. Pricey to get them here, but they weren't available in the States. You might try the Sylvania, as it can be had without looking overseas.
The other night when I was riding with a buddy, I wondered why someone has not come up with a light design which keeps the light always aimed parallel to the road? If the bulb was mounted in a casting with lots of weight at the bottom, and fed power through flexible cables, it would be free to pivot, so as the bike leaned, the light would stay focused properly on the road. As it is now, the light goes into the trees when you need it most, during a heavy lean in a turn.
I have even thought about mounting auxiliary running lights on the forks, as I have seen others do, but aiming them so that they light up the road best when the bike is in a lean. With the Philips bulb, extra lighting while riding up staright isn't really necessary, but it sure would be helpful in the turns.

Sweden · 11-01-2009, 11:25 AM

Could it be Philips Motovision?
I bought one here in Sweden, much brighter and a little bit different color too.

cafetbird · 11-01-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssevy

I have even thought about mounting auxiliary running lights on the forks, as I have seen others do, but aiming them so that they light up the road best when the bike is in a lean. With the Philips bulb, extra lighting while riding up staright isn't really necessary, but it sure would be helpful in the turns.

Fork-mounted roads lights, such as Motolights are pretty effective at this. The spread of the beam is such that they light the corners up pretty well.

TonyD · 11-01-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweden

Could it be Philips Motovision?
I bought one here in Sweden, much brighter and a little bit different color too.

It's the Philips X-Treme Power H4

This vendor offers free worldwide delivery

DEcosse · 11-01-2009, 12:55 PM

Check out this thread with regard the later triples - you may be able to make similar voltage gain on the T-bird by a wiring upgrade.

Also see this discussion on bulb options.
Philips Xtreme Power indeed seem to be the best 'std' wattage bulb on the market currently: +80 rating.

IrlMike · 11-01-2009, 03:06 PM

+1 on the Philips Xtreme H4 ('+80%' I think), big difference over standard bulbs. They've won reviews over several years with their halogen bulbs.

Uncle Bill · 11-27-2009, 08:17 PM

Hop in your car/truck and head for the local snowmobile shop. You can get an H-4 with a normal 60W low beam and anything from a legal 65W high beam up to a whopping 140W! I'm currently using a 60/100 that cost me $10 from Mark's Motorsprts in Enfield, Ct. I'm using a normal white light instead of one of the Blue Xenons so I won't get hassled by the cops for using an "off road only" bulb. Less noticable than the blues. I put mine in three years ago and have had no problems. I figure if the Harley boys can run around with no mufflers because "loud pipes save lives" then my brighter high beam is just as much a safety item!