headlight bulb ???

How can the factory bulbs by rated 45w for both high and low?
The aftermarket ones I got are 60w high and 55w low.

 

Well I figured it out. The bulbs have two filiments. The factory bulb lights one on low beam but both are lit on high beam. The H4's I just put in light only one filiment for low and one for high.

 

I used H4's and bent the two lower tabs back.

 

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT!

If you want aftermarket HID H4s, I can get you a set at a handsome price (I work for an aftermarket automotive accessories company). VFRworld hookup of course.

For a basic kit, you would get 2 H4 bulbs and 2 35w ballasts. You would lose hi beam functionality on the H4s. However, the light output of the single HID is already greater than dual element Halogen H4s (whilst being much more attractive).

The draw is only 35watts after the bulbs warm up, which is less taxing on the bike's electronics. Not to mention they have a service life of 2k hours as opposed to Halogen H4's 400, they last long enough to be used on multiple bikes potentially.

Shoot me a PM if interested, sorry to spam your thread, just thought it might be a solution you're not aware of.

 

I use H4 Sylvania Silverstar Ultra's- cut the tabs off with a dremel and used the spacers folks are selling on ebay. Works perfect. They are very bright. The light pattern does seem to project much farther sideways also. This is good because we have lots of deer...

 

I'm about to get me some Silverstars too.
Is that spacer required?
I thought you only needed to bend the tabs

 

I didn't try it without the shims, supposedly without them the bulbs could point upwards. I'm not sure how much of a factor that is.
I had silverstars in my last bike, the ultras are even brighter.

H-4 Headlight Bulb Shims (2 pack): Motorcycle Accessories from California Sport Touring, Inc.

 

well, I'm getting them today and we'll see how they work.
If needed, I'll get the shims.