upgrade the light bulb

I have grown to like Sylvania Silverstar lights on my GSXR and the Ninja so i was hoping to put one or at least something better than the stock light bulb in the '83 XJ-750. What part number do I need to search for at the stores?

Thanks!

 

I just put one from an auto store in mine. I think it's a 9003 or 9004 type automotive bulb. Go with the regular wattage and not the 100w...your electrical system won't be able to keep up.

 

I've used a 100W high-beam bulb for years, without any problems.

The headlight is a standard H4 bulb, the same as cars use. You might try a store that caters to the off-road crowd to find the brighter light you're after.

 

I stand corrected...go buy a 100w bulb. Bozo must know what he's talking about.
I guess being I run driving lights in addition to my headlight, I don't feel the need for anymore load on my battery.

 

I don't know about bosozoku's bike, but unless you've got upgraded wiring in yours, I'd stay away from the high-wattage bulbs. Asking for trouble - melted wires, connectors, drained battery, and/or legal problems all possible. Unless your headlight is aimed really badly, the standard 55w / 60w bulb should be fine.

If you've got the standard sealed-beam bulb in there, you'll need to buy a replacement lens too - most if not all take the H4 bulb (aka 9003).

Silverstar bulbs here in north america are crap - nothing like the european ones at all. They're just a specially coated over-driven bulb -- coatings steal light output, and Sylvania has even admitted they're not designed to last for more than 12 months (max). And considering the premium price....

GE Nighthawk's appear to be a much better bulb - not coated, not overdriven, and rated for 24 months. Haven't heard of anyone's long term testing though.

 

i just put one in my bike.....havnt driven at night yet so i dunno how good is is..........is there a trick to placing the gob of wires in the headlight area in a suitable position so the assembly can fit back in there???

holy jeeeeeeezuz....i been messin with that al afternoon.

ive had many bikes apart and this is the worst headlight job i ever saw!@#$%^%$#@@#$%^%$ holy muthaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!

help :cry: :cry: :cry:

 

Nope - no special tricks - just fiddle with it until everything fits 8)

 

The bright, white, Sylvania SilverStar Lightbulb in one hand ...
The Dirt-cheap, almost-a-bright-yellow, OEM Factory bulb in the other ...

Sylvania; please!

Mine on it's 3rd season.

 

i figured i was gonna hear that

if i ever get thant thing back in there ill burn the bike afore i take er out agin :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

thanks anyhoo

 

My only beef with the Silverstar's is their short life - if I'm paying $25 a bulb, I want more than a year out of it! Most of the car guys have dumped the Silverstars because they kept burning out every 9-10 months. That gets a might expensive for "premium" bulbs.

Haven't heard the same thing about the Nighthawks - they seem to be holding up well.

 

so what are you all getting lens wise to replace the sealed beam headlight? I still have the sealed bean and it is rather yellow and dim.

 

PghXJ
check the voltage at the bulb, yellow sounds like low volts

 

Old bulbs can yellow over time as well, as the filament isn't performing as well as it used to.

Several manufacturers make replacement lenses that take the standard H4 bulb -- talk to any good automotive or motorcycle shop, or do a search on ebay.

 

The original bulbs are all Circa - 1980.

Your basic Tungsten filament bulb.
How they last 20 years or more is beyond me???