So forgive my ignorance about light bulbs...but I too want to upgrade. It seems like it is between PIAA, Silverstar, and HID. Am I correct in that The first two are just plug and play, where the HID requires me to mount something and run extra wires? Has anyone seen the HID in a direct comparison with the PIAA/Silverstar for example on a motorcycle?

Also...If you go PIAA, do you have to get the anti-vibration (motorsports) bulbs. i would like to get the intense white, but they dont make them in anti vibration yet.

What are the specs on the stock headlight/passing lamp bulbs? Iv'e seen 35W. Where did you guys find that?

Thanks

I took a PIAA bulb out of mine and replaced it with the silverstar ultra..huge difference ... much better sweep of light on the road and its a more natural light.. i put em in both bikes and they are worth the $$$..

The PIAA bulbs are made for motorcycles and are anti-vibration whether or not the add says so. The Silverstar are automotive and are not anti-vib. For the headlight the standard H-4 bulb is 55/60 watts. I have the PIAA Super Plasma GTX, the electrical load is 55/60 like a normal bulb but the light output is 125/135 watts worth.

The passing lights are H-3 and are 35 or 55 watts, ihe PIAA H-3 35 watt has a light output of 70 watts worth and their 55 watt has a light output of 110 watts worth.

I have my passing lights hooked to the Headlight high beam and the headlight has a modulator on it. The bulbs have been in operation for over 50,000 miles. During daylight I run high beam with passing lights all the time, thats a light output of 355 watts. On a dark night when the lights are switched from high to low beam the light goes from 355 watts to 125 and momentarily it seams light the lights were turned off.

The Silverstar (and there are others) are brighter than standard but not as bright as the PIAA.

HID lights are like flourescent, they have a ballast that has to be put somewhere.

Clifford

Clifford,

PIAA makes bulbs for many applications including automotive, and yes they do make both regular and anti vibration bulbs. Take a look at their website and you will see. That being said...i assume you may have just run the regular PIAA (non anti-vibration)?? If this is the case and your bulb is still running strong, then maybe the anti vibration bulb is not a necessity??

All,

What are the possible negative effects of running a 55W bulb in my passing lamps? I have no feeling for electricity. an extra 40 W doesnt seem like much but.....

I keep reading I need the 35W. I assume it is on my bulb somewhere but haven't taken it out to inspect. Is the stock 35W documented elsewhere?

i'm running the silverstar 55w in my passing lamps (yamaha tribar) and a ss in my headlight, they are def brighter then the stock 35's. i have the upgraded charging system and havent had any battery issues even with a radio.

edit:

some passing lamps are sealed beamed. make sure you have one with h3's.

40 watts is about 3.4 amps

ajbonner wrote:
Clifford,

PIAA makes bulbs for many applications including automotive, and yes they do make both regular and anti vibration bulbs. Take a look at their website and you will see. That being said...i assume you may have just run the regular PIAA (non anti-vibration)?? If this is the case and your bulb is still running strong, then maybe the anti vibration bulb is not a necessity?? Remember I have a bike shop, I get the PIAA bulbs from Tucker Rocky which is a bike supply place. What I meant is that if you buy a PIAA bulb from a motorcycle supplier it should be anti-vib whether or not their add says so or not.

All,

What are the possible negative effects of running a 55W bulb in my passing lamps? I have no feeling for electricity. an extra 40 W doesnt seem like much but.....My bike is an 03 When I got it I put 55 watt bulbs in the passing lamps and then went back to 35 because the charging system couldn't handle it. I have replaced the stator with a high output unit and have put the 55s back in and it does fine. If your bike is 05 or later it should be OK, if ity is an earlier bike then you need a high output stator.

I keep reading I need the 35W. I assume it is on my bulb somewhere but haven't taken it out to inspect. Is the stock 35W documented elsewhere?The mount ring for the bulb has the wattage rating on it.

Clifford

I am running the Silverstar and is very bright compared to the stock bulb.