| Author | Message | ||
     Jramsey |
Yesterday I goofed around on the S3 so late I came home at dark and was really disappointed in the illumination of OEM plastic headlight. If I didn't know better I swear it was made by Lucas the prince of darkness. Is there a brighter aftermarket/automotive replacement available that uses the 3 stud mount? Getting passed by a old lady walking her dog with a flashlight is embarrassing. | ||
| Easy_rider |
I've picked up a pair of Xenon H4 lamps from the Chicago IMS for about $20. The mfr is EFX, but I'm sure there are a few brands out there. I haven't installed them yet, I figure I'll wait until I can do some good before/after pics. From what I've heard from my bro they're pretty good. Another option is to go with an HID kit. I love them on my car, but I'm not quite sold on the bike kits just yet. | ||
| Gowindward |
Ask the old lady where she got that flashlight. I put in a H4 Silver Star bulb and it made some improvement. It could still use something better though. | ||
| Jramsey |
I asked her and she smiled and " flicked her Bic." | ||
| Dfbutler |
You want bright, install a Xenon bulb. http://www.kbcarstuff.com/ProductDetails.asp?Produ ctCode=MC-4K-H%2FL | ||
| Oldog |
JR consider an HID lamp to replace the H4, less heat, more light, get a version that has the high low, you may want to get a dual lamp (hid-low) QH high mine is HID hi low I can see at night. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I put a set of HIDs on my 1125R, on lo-beam. I can see at night! Hi-beams are OEM, I use them to flash oncoming traffic, esp left-turners. They are superfluous for vision, as the HID lo-beams are much brighter. Zack | ||
| Old_mil |
I'd probably recommend the HID conversion...One of the problems the S3T has is its weak charging system compared to most other sport touring bikes. This limits what you can do with regards to auxiliary lighting. Another option is the silver bullet driving lights, as they have a (relatively) lower draw than some offerings, but even that might be a bit much. | ||
| Bills3t |
I think one of the best improvements made on my s3t was switching to a piaa extreme white bulb . The difference was truly amazing . | ||
| Dfbutler |
The PIAAs are a good upgrade and do not require any rewiring, but the HID put out much more light and draw less current. | ||
| Hugie03flhr |
Dfbutler, have you used or installed any of these light kits??? If yes, any pics or install advice? | ||
| Dfbutler |
Hughie, if you look at the link in my earlier post, I installed that kit. It was relatively simple. The kit comes wire a complete harness. You attach leads to the battery, plug it into your existing headlamp socket and modify your headlamp housing to accept the new bulb. All the necessary relays and starter are already in the harness. I tie wrapped the relay and starter behind the fairing on the fairing spider. The light is REALLY bright, making the PIAA I had previously look dim in comparison, while drawing less current. The only modification I would make is putting in a switch allowing me to start the bike and then turn the headlight on, since sometimes the head light will go off when cranking the bike. This may be because my battery is getting weak or the higher compression from my recent top end rebuild and did not happen when I first installed the light. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Changing the bulb will only change the color, and make a small change to the brightness. My S2 had a standard automotive square bulb. I replaced the whole thing with a Hella upgraded housing, lens, and bulb (H4 replacable). I want to say the line is "vision plus". It has better reflector optics and a better lens pattern, for a better beam spread. AFAIK, the S3 will also have a standard automotive setup. For my money...get one listed as "E-code". The europeans are allowed to have MUCH better beam spread than we are here through DOT, and if it's focused/aimed properly you won't blind oncoming cars, either. |
