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Old 09-28-2009, 07:32 PM   #1 (permalink)
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high output headlight

My buddy at work bought a two pack of 12v 100/90w H.I.D. look super white headlight bulbs. They are made at Bluhm Enterprises. 98% Xenon gas.
Question is are these things stator killers or run so hot they melt the bulb plug or socket?
That's his original bulb that he replaced because it was burning.
I like the thought of more visibility/


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Old 09-29-2009, 04:23 AM   #2 (permalink)
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From what I've read the Xenon bulbs aren't really that bright. At least not compared to Sylvania's SilverStar Ultra's. You can pick them up at any local auto-parts store. A bit pricey but worth it. They are on sale all the time in my area. I have them installed on all my vehicles and love them. Long lasting, and great visibility in the stock headlight shell. Better then HD's Screamin' Eagle 'performance' bulb by far. Silvania's web site doesn't list motorcycles in their fitment guide, but their paperback catalog does. My ride takes part # 9003/HB2 (which is the same as the H4).

Due to the amount of watts those Xenon bulbs use, I would definitely be worried about excessive heat.
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Old 09-29-2009, 11:34 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Better Solution for Brighter Light.

I have a better solution for the light issue. I contacted Daniel Stern Lighting after reading about his lighting expertice.
He told me the biggest problem with the headlamp system on my2006 SG was the reflector assy. After talking to him I purchased a Cibie Reflector and a Oshram H4 lamp. WOW, what a difference. No overheating, no relays, just plug and play. Great Upgrade. Call Daniel Stern Lighing.
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Old 09-30-2009, 07:17 AM   #4 (permalink)
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You talked to the man that knows about lighting Daniel Stern. My son and I bought his Cibie lights several months ago and the bulbs he recommended and a big big improvement. Plug it in and go. The problem is the refractors HD use. Probably made in China so HD uses them.
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Old 09-30-2009, 10:05 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lschultz View Post
You talked to the man that knows about lighting Daniel Stern. My son and I bought his Cibie lights several months ago and the bulbs he recommended and a big big improvement. Plug it in and go. The problem is the refractors HD use. Probably made in China so HD uses them.
I am not sure it has to do with the manufacturer as much as the design. Harley chose form over function. The clear lense looks cool but does a poor job of reflecting light. The Cibie reflector shines a wide curb to curb beam width and pushes a good beam straight down the road. I am a happy camper. Glad you experienced the same.
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Old 09-30-2009, 03:00 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Glad to hear about what everyone is using but my original question was about the lights pictured.

"petrock" thanks for the response.

Sounds like employees for Daniel Stern are on the site.
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Old 09-30-2009, 03:33 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by vindex1963 View Post
Glad to hear about what everyone is using but my original question was about the lights pictured.

"petrock" thanks for the response.

Sounds like employees for Daniel Stern are on the site.
OK, 100/90 Watts lights draw 7.7 - 8.3 amps on a 12 volt system.
the Silverlight H4 are 55/60 watts (same as stock lights)
they draw 4.6 - 5 amps.
That is double the heat (watts) that you are going to get in your headlight housing (burning the plastic light base, see your pictures). Putting the Maxium current on your wiring and fuse/ circuit breaker for the headlight.
Sure you don't want to try the Silverlights?
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Old 09-30-2009, 03:44 PM   #8 (permalink)
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My brother just bought an 09 nightster and was complaining about his headlight. anyone know what type silverstar the nightster takes?
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Old 09-30-2009, 03:52 PM   #9 (permalink)
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The Silverstrar H4ST is for motorcycles and is 60 watts.
These last a little longer but cost about $22. each.
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Old 09-30-2009, 08:50 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenney View Post
OK, 100/90 Watts lights draw 7.7 - 8.3 amps on a 12 volt system.
the Silverlight H4 are 55/60 watts (same as stock lights)
they draw 4.6 - 5 amps.
That is double the heat (watts) that you are going to get in your headlight housing (burning the plastic light base, see your pictures). Putting the Maxium current on your wiring and fuse/ circuit breaker for the headlight.
Sure you don't want to try the Silverlights?
I'm giving him back his bulb. I think the factory one is bright anyway.
I don't want melted anything.
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Old 10-01-2009, 01:00 AM   #11 (permalink)
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Yes they will melt your plug and/or blowyour fuse. Been there done that. When you go high beam it will draw too many amps and that fuse will blow right when you need it the most. Plus on an ultra ya all ready have alot on your stator anyhow, so ya should'nt push it.
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Old 10-01-2009, 05:08 AM   #12 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vindex1963 View Post
Glad to hear about what everyone is using but my original question was about the lights pictured.

"petrock" thanks for the response.

Sounds like employees for Daniel Stern are on the site.
WOW, Really sorry. I thought I was helping you by giving you another solution. Anybody that reads the forum knows that the high watt bulbs draw too much current which causes heat........DAH.??????
In the future I will put you on my drop dead list and I won't try to give you any help.

Last edited by HDSG : 10-01-2009 at 05:13 AM.
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Old 10-01-2009, 07:32 AM   #13 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HDSG View Post
WOW, Really sorry. I thought I was helping you by giving you another solution. Anybody that reads the forum knows that the high watt bulbs draw too much current which causes heat........DAH.??????
In the future I will put you on my drop dead list and I won't try to give you any help.
Have you checked the voltage at the headlight yet?
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Old 10-01-2009, 08:46 AM   #14 (permalink)
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Thanks to all. Didn't think about possible excessive heat on going with one of these. Still on the original bulb in my 03 and was thinking of going HID. Guess I'll stay with another stocker.
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Old 10-01-2009, 11:44 AM   #15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HDSG View Post
WOW, Really sorry. I thought I was helping you by giving you another solution. Anybody that reads the forum knows that the high watt bulbs draw too much current which causes heat........DAH.??????
In the future I will put you on my drop dead list and I won't try to give you any help.
OK.
I was looking for help on what I had listed and really wasn't looking for sugestions. This is an open forum and we are really just talking so if I'm on your DDL cool keep there you are far to sensitive.
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