New headlights...

[darthandy]

Now that I've upgraded the horns to dual (Hi and Low Fiamm 132 Db) units, it's time to upgrade the headlights. Has anyone tried the GE Nighthawk replacement bulbs? I was thinking of using the Sylvania Silverstar bulbs, but I've read several reviews stating that A) they often burn out within 6 months, and B) the blue light they give off is courtesy of a tint that actually reduces the level of light they give off. Since these reviews were from several different sources, I tend to feel they are probably accurate.

In searching the forum for info, I noted that Nobeard mentioned replacing his headlight bulbs with "Nightbreakers". I went to their site and the write-up sounds impressive, but I couldn't find much in the way of reviews. So Nobeard, how did they work out? I'd appreciate knowing, as the sun is officially gone by 5:30 p.m. now in these parts and there's still some riding weather left.

Soon it will be time to start the more serious mods (at least those that I can afford...near poverty is just not fun) so I would like to ride as safely as possible till then (Yeah, yeah, I know, but I'm getting old and more aware of my mortality).

[bradtx]

darthandy, Here's a write up you may like:

on the Phillips Xtreme:

http://www.triumphrat.net/daytona-de...bulb-test.html

Brad

[darthandy]

Thanks Bradtx (Hope I pronounced that properly!). That is an interesting write-up and very informative. Gives me a little more to think about.

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by darthandy

.... I was thinking of using the Sylvania Silverstar bulbs...

See also this thread

One thing to note about 'Silverstars' - they are two Silverstars, one under the Sylvania label and one under the Osram (parent) label
The US Sylvania are +30 rated while the Euro Osram are +50

Philips Xtreme are +80 - the brightest std wattage bulb on the market today.

You can see my own Philips Xtreme pics - plus a guide to how you can improve the voltage to your lights that will result in a big improvement in itself
It will be a little different on the T3, but essentially the same principle. More volts = more light!

http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-trip...provement.html

[darthandy]

Thanks for the info DEcosse. That's some difference in lighting!!
The wiring upgrade looks a bit daunting, so I'll have to study your schematics a bit more. At this point, the Philips units are starting to look pretty good. Looks like a 2 part project...bulb replacements for the immediate future and some wiring work this winter...along with the other mods/repairs. The coming winter months will not be slow and quiet in this neighbourhood!!!

Thanks all!!

[DEcosse]

I haven't actually seen the T3 Sprint wiring schematic, so not sure of the exact changes required from the ones I posted for the T5 series S3 & Daytona (and the 99-04 Sprint is also similar) - but I'm sure it might be very similar.

However, if you feel a little overwhelmed by the wiring project, there is simple (universal!) plug n play harness available that will give you the same results:

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Pr...s/h4_kits.html

- look down the list to the Dual H4 relay kit - the one at $54.95 (sorry there aren't individual links I can reference)

To install, you simply unplug your original light sockets from your lamps, plug one of those connectors into the male coupler, then the two new relay driven sockets onto your lamps and connect the power input to the battery.
Done!

[Nobeard]

The sun is also gone by 5:30 here. The nightbreakers work well especially on high beam though I am still to be impressed by any low beams I have tried - though that could be down to the lenses and reflectors. A note on the other end of the bike - I have LED bulbs in the tail and discovered earlier this week that with the lights off if I pull the brake lever it lights up the side light circuit as well - not usually noticeable as I ride with the lights on anyway (er.. - nevermind) I need to get a pair of standard bulbs later to make sure it is the LEDs causing the problem - anyone else had this happen?

[DEcosse]

Don't see how having LEDs would make that possible Nobeard. It sounds like you may have the LEDs wired incorrectly, or something shorting on them. But what is odd however is that (if I understand correctly) when sidelights are on, the brake light still functions separately? That dismisses a dead short between the circuits of course. Very odd .....

On the head-light output - here's something you all can test, if it's relatively easy to access your headlight socket:
Start the bike and turn headlights on, then measure the voltage directly across your battery;
Then measure the voltage across the headlight socket (lights MUST be connected and on)
Compare this voltage with your battery reference voltage and realize how much you are losing.

If you don't think it will make a significant difference, check out this table from the thread I referred above:

In many cases, the thin factory wires are inadequate even for the stock headlamp equipment.
Headlamp bulb light output is severely compromised with decreased voltage
The drop in light output is not linear, it is exponential with the power.

For example, let's consider a 9006 low beam bulb rated 1000 lumens at 12.8 Volts and plug in different voltages:

10.5V : 510 lumens
11.0V : 597 lumens
11.5V : 695 lumens
12.0V : 803 lumens
12.5V : 923 lumens
12.8V : 1000 lumens ←Rated output voltage
13.0V : 1054 lumens
13.5V : 1198 lumens
14.0V : 1356 lumens ←Rated life voltage
14.5V : 1528 lumens

In simple terms - more volts make more lumens!

Note that going from 11.5 to 13.5 will almost DOUBLE the light output!
So very much worthwhile considering.

[Nobeard]

I have now confirmed it is the LED brake/tail bulbs causing the problem - probably down to the fact that I chose the cheapest ones I could find. Basically - both pos terminals go to the same solder connection on the circuit board inside the bulb through different resistors, one has a diode in line - if both had a diode there would not be a problem. So if you have replaced your stop/tail bulbs with LEDs Isuggest you check for this. Should also say the sidelight bulbs and instrument bulbs have also been replaced with LED items and weren't coming on with full brightness when I used the brakes so perhaps if I had not replaced those the problem might not have been noticed due to the higher resistance of filament bulbs.

[DEcosse]

Ah, that would explain it!

Quick post-script - filament bulbs have lower resistance than LEDs.
Think about it - leds pull very little current, incandescents pull lots!
So from R=V/I, as I increases R goes down.