Headlight Bulb

[TLiteR]

Hello All!

I am new to this forum.  My girlfriend recently purchased a 1994 GS500E.  I bought a manual (from the link on this site, just to support it!) But I have not received it yet.  I need to know what type of headlight bulb I need for her bike (H4, 9005, etc.)  

Thanks

[TheGoodGuy]

9003 is the H4 equivalent.. 9003 is used in cars, H4 is in bikes, but they are the same bulb. I am not sure if the H4's are brighter or the 9003's are.. both say 55/65W.

[tdan553527]

I put an H4 HID 95/100 watt into my 2004 GS500F, much better light. Got it from a local auto parts store.

[gitarman]

welcome to the board TliteR! I have a question thats very similiar so I hope you don't mind I semi-threadjack

what is the easiest way to change the bulb? I just bought a Silvania Silverstar and I can't figure out how to open the headlight...is it like a car where you replace it from behind? or does the front cover unscrew somehow? thanks

[MarkusN]

It's easy, really. On the lampcase in the 4 and 8 o'clock position there are two countersunk phillips screws. Take those out and you can remove the lamp (bottom first, there are two hooks on top, which become loose only once the bottom side is swung out.)

Now you have access to the bulb and connector. Pull off the connector and take out the bulb (if I remember right the bulb is fastened with two semicircular springs.)

As usual, everything goes back together in reverse order. Just make sure the top hooks have found safe purchase before you insert the two screws.

[BadBatzMaru]

I put an H4 HID 95/100 watt into my 2004 GS500F, much better light. Got it from a local auto parts store.

is that really an HID bulb?? dont you need to modify the headlight circuit to run one of those puppies?? or is it just one of those pseudo-HID like bulbs?? at 95W be careful that you dont melt any wiring...

[MarkusN]

at 95W be careful that you dont melt any wiring...

Wiring I'd be less concerned, that usually has quite a bit of safety margin. But right where the bulb dissipates its heat, expect charred plastic and a dull.

[BadBatzMaru]

at 95W be careful that you dont melt any wiring...

Wiring I'd be less concerned, that usually has quite a bit of safety margin. But right where the bulb dissipates its heat, expect charred plastic and a dull.

well people here have reported melted connectors after installing High wattage bulbs....  wherever there is an electrical connection, extra heat will be dissipated, and that could lead to melting of wiring insulation...(not the actual connector tab or wire itself as those are metal ) but anything plastic goes... and if insulation melts... well, i'll leave that up to the imagination... maybe the 2004's are rated to a higher amperage??

[MarkusN]

wherever there is an electrical connection, extra heat will be dissipated, and that could lead to melting of wiring insulation...

Yep, connectors can be a problem, especially with weak springs or slightly corroded.

That should have read "dull reflector" above, btw.

[pantablo]

well people here have reported melted connectors after installing High wattage bulbs....  

I ran PIAA 80/80W bulb in my 2001 and it melted the plastic connector at the bulb in about 2 months of usage, all at highbeam usage too. I decided to switch back to stock.

[glenn9171]

The best and brightest bulb I found was the above-mentioned Sylvania Silverstar.  About $20 or so, but well worth every red cent.