Is it me, or does anyone else find that stock gs headlight is not very bright? I find it very difficult to spot curves at night on an unlight two-lane highway where the road paint is not reflective. Say when there is no car following with stronger beams, or there is no car in front so I can't see the tail ligths moving into a curve, I find that I can outrun gs headlight going 50 mph. This is not as much of a problem on a highway where lane marks are painted with a reflective paint, or where there are reflector pins in the pavement. Unfortunately, however, most of the nice biways where you end up during your day ride are not very well light / painted at night.
Try a new bulb - slyvania silver star.
Simple replacement and very bright. I have it and my buddy with a VFR wants me to ride ahead at night because my headlight is better than his two lights!
Ride safe.
Dandy
(just a silly questions and I really shouldn't ask but do you use the high beams?!? - yeah you can slap me :laugh:)
I have the same issue. will change bulb and see.
I didn't really notice until I rode side by side with a newer bike at night.
big difference.
You can always install this http://www.xenonking.com/4300p.htm
No, low beam because it's a biway and tehre is oncoming traffic in the opposite direction :) Hopefully that settles it :)
As for slyvania silver star - is it a safe replacement for the stock bulb as far as electronics is concerned (volatage, current, whatnot?) If it's as safe as a stock bulb, it sounds like a good idea :thumb:
The silverstar is a completely safe bulb and legal - its the same wattage and model required for the GS. Its a replacement bulb found at typical parts stores.
I actually put the same brand in my car.
D
On a curvy unlit road at night, you have no choice but to use your brights... Think about the physics of it...
Your head light doesn't point up... Straight (or if it's adjusted wrong like mine, slightly up).
When you lean over for a turn, your light actually points away from the turn.
When you turn on your brights, you'll notice that it points up (at least mine does)... Which is why you need to flip it on in a corner.
I've gone on plenty of unlit curvy country roads at night (I call 'em Bug Hunts)... It's REALLY easy to overrun your light if you're not using your brights. When you get good at it, you can switch your brights on in the corners and back off in the straights...
Newer bikes have a "Passing" switch... Works great for this.
I put the silverstars on my bike since I had one left over from my car when I bought a pair to replace one that went out. I believe you have the get model number 9003. It fits perfectly and is a lot whiter and brighter than the stock bulb. The bulb underneath it now looks more yellowish and doesn't seem as bright. This is on an 04 by the way.
Quote from: blue05twin on April 10, 2006, 12:03:23 PM
You can always install this http://www.xenonking.com/4300p.htm
Oh that looks nice, anyone installed it?
Ooo K.. Out run the headlight? You are going faster than the speed of light? :o
I think it may be an alignment issue. My headlight is VERY BRIGHT! I bought the Buell Lightning Dual lights but have been hesitant to swap it out cause the factory light works so well... I duno what kind of light you expect from one lamp but I think the factory works great! :thumb:
I bought the duals cause I dont like the astetic look of the " Fonzi" Headlight :icon_mrgreen: But I am woried that the dual buells might not be as bright :cheers: My .02
Well if it ain't broke ... :)
But if you are getting off verrazano bridge onto broken up BQE with lanes markings painted in random curves and mad cab drivers flying out of their lanes at every turn you better be able to see those barely painted markings :laugh: