Harley Davidson Forums
Harley Davidson Forums - Harley Davidson Classifieds - HDForums.com Photo Galleries - Create an Account - Harley Davidson News

Go Back   Harley Davidson Forums > Harley Davidson Motorcycles > Sportster Models

Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by: Rush Racing Products


Welcome to HDForums.com!
Welcome to HDForums.com.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join HDForums.com community today!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 11-26-2008, 07:39 AM
Simon UK's Avatar
Simon UK Simon UK is offline
Senior Rider
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Buckinghamshire, UK
Posts: 353
Default Any tips for improving Sportster headlight?

At this time of year my commute home from work is after dark, with about half of it on dark, unlit country lanes. As these lanes are not in the best condition, it would be nice to be able to see a little ahead of myself when riding them. That's OK with the light on high beam. With light dipped on low beam, as is necessary when other vehicles are approaching or ahead, I can't see s**t! The light is directed in the correct place, it's just so dim as to be practically useless.

Has anyone out there got tips and experience for upgrading Sportster lighting so it is actually possible to see where you are going? I know H-D sell auxiliary lighting kits, but I don't personally think having a couple of extra chrome lights bolted on to a black 883R would look particularly great.

Thanks.
This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on HD Forums!
__________________
'07 XL 883R

Just because I ride a Harley, it doesn't make me anything special.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-26-2008, 08:35 AM
PigInaBlanket's Avatar
PigInaBlanket PigInaBlanket is offline
Ultimate HDF Member
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 7,609
Default

First and easiest is thing try the Silver Star headlight bulb from Sylvania. Should be able to find it at most auto stores.
__________________
My Beast of Burden
2007 Street Bob
V&H Short Shots, SE ac, PC III, forward controls
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-26-2008, 08:49 AM
GymRat523's Avatar
GymRat523 GymRat523 is offline
Road Captain
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bel Air Md
Posts: 643
Default

I had a 05 sportster and my current Bones has the same headlight issue, try riding all the time after dark with the high beams. I have never been flashed by oncoming traffic and as you saw it is a big difference. I don't think oncoming traffic can even tell.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-26-2008, 09:00 AM
TheLaw's Avatar
TheLaw TheLaw is offline
Prospect
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Posts: 143
Default

I second the Sylvania Silver Star "bulb upgrade".....huge difference.

The LAW
__________________

2007 Nightster, Bros. Manuf. 250 Wide Tire Kit with Chain Converstion, custom rear fender, 10" rigid struts, Hawg Halters Front End, 21" front wheel, Screamin' Eagle intake & plug wires, V & H FuelPak, Samson Sinister Streetsweeper pipes, 1" tank lift, 18" apes/z-bars, re-located headlamp, denim black & olive.
2005 XL1200 Custom, LePera Bare Bones seat, chromed out, dark cherry & black pearl (WIFE'S).
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-26-2008, 02:04 PM
scotty-j's Avatar
scotty-j scotty-j is offline
Prospect
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Rockford Illinois
Posts: 297
Default

i have the fluted glas lens on my 04, i am considering picking up a tri-bar from adjure.... a lot of people like them and have had positve things to say about them.....can get one for 55-80 depending on where you look.

right now http://www.adjureinc.com is having a sale 20% off all orders !

here is the 5 3/4 lights page http://www.adjureinc.com/534headlamps.html

__________________
Scott
2004 HD Sportster 1200 Custom
Stage 1...V&H StraightShots, Mikuni HSR42, Daytona Twin-Tec TC88A w/Modified Map35 and Hurricane-Flow A/C !
Pictures
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j157/BlueNoma/3390845751_f3d7aef1f0_b600-1.jpg

Last edited by scotty-j; 11-26-2008 at 02:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-26-2008, 03:43 PM
pilbaraguy pilbaraguy is offline
Hang Around
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location:
Posts: 17
Default 84 iron head

will this silver star bulb fit a stock 84 sporty head light
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-26-2008, 04:14 PM
beardo beardo is offline
Prospect
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 101
Default

Well, if you have access to any Harley dealer, they should have part number 67074-02. The glass is tinted blue and comes out bright white. It also lasts longer than any auto bulb I have ever put into a bike. Take that for what its worth.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-26-2008, 04:39 PM
Simon UK's Avatar
Simon UK Simon UK is offline
Senior Rider
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Buckinghamshire, UK
Posts: 353
Default

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll be taking the bike in for its 5000 mile service in a couple of weeks and might get one of the H-D bulbs suggested by beardo while its at the dealership. If that's no good, I'll look into whether the Sylvania bulbs are available here in the UK.
__________________
'07 XL 883R

Just because I ride a Harley, it doesn't make me anything special.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-26-2008, 05:12 PM
cHarley's Avatar
cHarley cHarley is offline
Ultimate HDF Member
1950 Schwinn Super Sport
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Posts: 7,688
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by pilbaraguy View Post
will this silver star bulb fit a stock 84 sporty head light
It will if your housing takes an H4 bulb.
__________________
IF YOU CAN'T RIDE IT OR TAKE IT TO BED, IT AIN'T WORTH HAVING

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-26-2008, 05:17 PM
cHarley's Avatar
cHarley cHarley is offline
Ultimate HDF Member
1950 Schwinn Super Sport
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Posts: 7,688
Default

The only problem with Silverstar bulbs is that they draw more power than the stock bulb and as a result, run very hot. A better choice IMO, though more expensive, is a PIAA bulb. It's every bit as bright as a Silverstar but draws no more power than the stock bulb.

You can find one HERE.
__________________
IF YOU CAN'T RIDE IT OR TAKE IT TO BED, IT AIN'T WORTH HAVING

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
07, 2005, 6707402, auxiliary, bulb, harley, hd, headlight, headlights, kit, light, lighting, lights, silverstar, sportster, tips


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off
Forum Jump

Advertising
Featured Sponsors
New Sponsors
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:13 AM.

© Internet Brands, Inc.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0