Triumphrat

kc5deb · 08-01-2007

Last night was the first really dark night riding I did, and I didn't feel comfortable riding above 50mph. All I saw was just a dim yellow-ish light on the highway like someone was behind me with a cheap walmart flashlight doing their best to find the blacktop. And that was the highbeams...

I was thinking about the HID upgrade, but, I'm thinking that eventually I'd like to get the motolight setup. So, while I save up for the motolights, I figured I'd go ahead and just replace the bulbs and re-aim them.

From what I've searched, the best replacement bulbs are the following:
Philips X-Treme Power
Osram Silverstar
Sylvania Silverstar

From what I've searched too, the sylvanias are just the US equivalent to the osrams; are the osrams really 20% brighter than the sylvanias?

Is anyone running the Philips X-Treme Power, or can give a comparison between the Philips and the osram/sylvania?

I've got some night riding I'd like to do this weekend, and I think I can find the Philips X-Treme Powers, but, I don't want to have to cancel my ride because of waiting on the osrams to come in.

Thanks from an ST noob!

norcaltriumph · 08-01-2007

and received them in 3 days. I would say that they are about 15-20% brighter/whiter than OEM. Not sure if they're brighter than Sylvania, but that's what everyone says.

As others have mentioned, you should also make sure the headlights are properly adjusted. The adjustments are quite easy (4 "dials" near the headlight bulb assembly) and will help you throw a more effective light pattern. The owner's manual shows you where they are exactly.

NikosR · 08-01-2007

FYI, OEMs on my bike were standard Osrams. SIlverstars are a bit brighter and whiter but won't solve the problem with the weak high beam. HID will.

Whoever is looking for additional light solutions, should first calculate his total wattage consumption as the ST's generator is not very strong (350W I believe?). BTW, HIDs have the additional benefit of consuming only 35W instead of 55W of the stock H7 bulbs.

dart330 · 08-01-2007

I think the best (but expensive) solution is to switch the actual headlight assembly from US spec to RHD Euro spec. I have done this on my car and the difference is amazing. The required US DOT lighting pattern is archaic and no matter how big a bulb you put in it, you will not get the best lighting available.

Does anyone know of a good used source for these headlights?
Or anything cheaper than new ($432.66)?

thinkjerm · 08-01-2007

KC,

If you are looking to replace your lights PM me. I ordered a set of the Powerbulbs +50 and they work great. Being that they had a buy one get one get one sale i happen to have an extra set for sale. I also have a H7 HID conversion if you are interested.

Aske · 08-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dart330

I think the best (but expensive) solution is to switch the actual headlight assembly from US spec to RHD Euro spec. I have done this on my car and the difference is amazing. The required US DOT lighting pattern is archaic and no matter how big a bulb you put in it, you will not get the best lighting available.

Does anyone know of a good used source for these headlights?
Or anything cheaper than new ($432.66)?

The Euro headlight assembly uses a different projector pattern? Without the horizontal cutoff?!

NikosR · 08-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aske

The Euro headlight assembly uses a different projector pattern? Without the horizontal cutoff?!

The RHD Euro assembly certainly exhibits an abrupt cut-off. Can't tell if the projectors are speced differently than the US models, but I would be surprised if they were. One has to check with the dealers to see if the part nos are different.