With all the talk about LED and HID lighting, I was wondering what were the best options for halogen bulbs? I have the 7" dual halogen headlight and the spot lights. I'd like to replace the H9/H11 lights and have matching 881 bulbs for the spots. I would like to avoid rewiring and relays, just a good drop in set of bulbs. FWIW I tried the top quality LED bulbs and although they are bright as heck I just didn't care for the pattern in this reflector.

 

I am going to install Sylvania Silverstar bulbs in all three lights very soon. I am probably going to write a review for them along with the Skene Photon Blaster conspicuity LEDs that I am adding to the front forks. I have spent a great deal of time looking at all the options, and would be doing something different if money was no object, but I am also adding the conspicuity lights to my BMW RT front and rear, so am investing quite a bit in lighting.

Just my $0.02.

John

 

I don't think that LED bulbs in a conventional reflector are very good, as per your comment. The LEDs have a much larger light source than a filament, so isn't as well focused. There are various brands of halogen bulbs available, search auto bulb websites and look for high output bulbs of known brands, Osram, Philips and Bosch come to mind.

 

http://store.candlepower.com/

 

It seems that many of these brands don't offer the H9, only the H11.

 

So, I installed the Silverstars last night and was not blown away with the results, although I have not had the opportunity to ride in the dark yet. I was expecting a much more dramatic difference than what I saw in my garage after installing all three lights.


Northern Virginia is currently getting rain, so it may be a few days until I can ride again to check them out. I believe the only solution that I am going to find acceptable is either a full complement of Trucklite Phase 7 lights, or additional auxiliary lighting to supplement the existing halogen headlight and spots.

 

Anyone tried the Hella bulbs (H9 or H11)? Looking to replace the stock halogens. Already went the LED route but they don't work well in the current housing.