H4 Bulb Question

I am currently running the stock headlight bulbs in my 2001 VFR. I'd like to upgrade the lighting intensity and not be restricted to ordering bulbs from Honda.

I've read this article about switching to H4 bulbs using an adaptor (http://vfrworld.com/forums/fifth-generation-1998-2001/5727-replacement-headlamp-bulbs.html)

My questions are:

1) Has anyone else went this way and were the results positive or negitative

2) Is there much of a difference in lighting intensity?

3) Does using an H4 put any additional load on electrical system? Is there ANY potential for damage?

4) What is the type of H4 bulb I would use? (Is it simply called an H4 or 9003?). Is the same bulb used in both sides?

Thanks for the input.

 

the silverstars are decent. I have also had great luck with Philips Vision Plus and Vision Xtreme.

To be honest - not sure that the vision xtreme is worth it - hard to tell the difference between the vision plus and vision xtreme - but - both are brighter than stock.

Vision Plus can be found here in the US easily, the Vision Xtreme I had to order from the UK....

In the US:
http://www.suvlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=99

OR - get them from the UK (which is what I normally do - they show up here in 4-5 days):

Powerbulbs Homepage
Philips Vision Plus in H4
Philips Vision Xtreme in H4
All H4 bulbs they carry

 

H4 on both sides. You'll figure out what tabs need to be bent just by comparing the old stock bulb.

I think almost anything is an improvement over the Honda bulb. Just be prepared to spend more then 8 bucks on a quality bulb.

I put in HID's recently and I think they're great. It's one of the few H4 kits that preserves your hi-beam function. To date, I've put in 4 kits, but this was the first hi/lo setup. A little more wiring to run... LINK

 

sounds like a great deal for those HIDs, how hard was the installation? care to post some pics? :bounce: :bounce:

 

Hey the HID sounds great!!! How hard is the install of that kit and about how much does it cost. I could really use the better lighting on my bike when I am in Long Islan, NY where it get pitch black dark at night.

 

For what it's worth... I've installed PIAA bulbs in mine and have noticed a big difference. It's not as good as HID but it is less $$$ and I'm happy with them. So much so I've even placed a set in my VW.

 

FWIW I'm running the Silver Stars big improvement for not a lot of money.

 

I believe we need the bi-xenon hi/low beam with two HID bulbs which costs $256, not bad for HID IMO.

I'm interested to see what Kelvin color you got and picturesssss!

 

there is not much difference between bulbs as far as codes such as H4, H3, H1 etc... the difference is in the wattage. if you run a high wattage YES you will get brighter light, but you will also melt your harness and wires and possibly cause a fire... to run higher wattage they sell aftermarket harnesses that are high performance and will not melt or damage!!! it is simple to install wire cut, splice, tape or soder, and hook up. you will never get the output of H.I.D. from bulbs but you will get decent light with good looks for cheap... there isn't really a difference in bulbs and H4 bulb has 3 prongs like a 3prong plug in for an extension cord. i have used more brands of lights than you could ever imagine because my honda civic has H4 bulbs and i have used them all. i would personally reccomend Raybrig, Nokya, Luminics, and Tru Blu. I am using Nokya and love them... reccomendation go to google and search up H4 bulbs or go to any car website and look up bulbs for any honda civic ranging from 1993-2000. hope this helps man good luck.

 

I took pictures with EVERY intention of doing just that... Got busy with lack of job/moving/new job/etc...

The VFR install was definitely trickier then the previous 3 HID's I had installed. All single light, H7's. Not impossible, just requires some patience.

Anyways, the result is definitely worth the hassle. I'll see if I can get more details up in the next day or two.

 

Since I have been toying with doing this, I am very interested to read your write up and see pics when you are completed.

 

I wouldn't have the faintest idea what brand I've got. What I do know is they are 55/60W & are a big improvement over the stock Honda items. (Cheaper too)

:biggrin:

 

I got the HID kit for H4 from this seller "mcmotoring" from Ebay for $78 shipped. Just want to toss it out here if someone is interested. Good seller, good bulbs.

 

Hey makre sure you get the H4 adapter rings for the bulbs -

 

Do I need one for 6 gen? I thought those are for 5 gen and older gen.

 

I am not sure about the 6th gen bikes, but i needed the adaptor ring for my 5th Gen.

 

I've done the nail trick, and also just removed the tabs.
just cut off the lower tabs and the bulbs work fine.

 

Sylvania SilverStars (55-60w) H4's - Awesome for the price.
Just the right white level. Realistic and excellent contrast/detail at night.
You can pick them up at any Auto supply place, even Kmart, Target, BiMart, GI Joe's, etc.

I bent the bottom two tabs back about 85% and just jammed them in there; put the rubber cup on, attached the plug, and pushed as hard as I could.

I've been running them on Hi Beam about 90% of riding time - No problems with electrical system, coming loose, etc.
All but forgotten.

Some bulbs are TOO blue ("Ultra" / "Extreme" and the like), and you actually get less visibility on dark roads, especially when wet.

I also used Philips Vision Plus (basically the same) bulbs in a Subaru Forester XT I had a couple years ago.
In conjunction with raising the headlight angle, they absolutely lit up the night!
I set the headlight level high enough that I got a few oncoming headlight flashes at me, even on Lo Beam, then backed them down a couple degrees until no more flashes from oncoming drivers.
As I as I could run 'em without upsetting other drivers.
On Hi Beam they were astounding!

 

Let me tell you if you are in a pinch and your stock H7 45/45 bulbs burn out miles away from a Honda dealer, you can use H4 bulbs. In fact, that is all I use now for over 3 years without having any issues. I currently use a 55/100 H4 which gives me a very intense high beam. I have to be very careful to not blind on-coming traffic, but it really help spotting hazards earlier.

If you do use H4 bulbs, take note that you will have to remove two lower tabs of the three to make the bulb to let them fit inside the headlight assy. The best thing about H4 bulbs is they can be found at almost every auto parts store and they are way cheaper to purchase.

 

Just to clarify, there is a difference between H1, H4, H7. It is the socket difference. If you get a HID kit with H7 socket (VFR 02-08) it will fit only for the high beams. I learnt it the hard way after buying that I needed to get a H4 socket so it will fit the low beams. So either way I decided to get one H4 and one H7 set.