Recommend 98EV headlamp bulb

[pehayes]

98 EV all stock except for a headlamp relay package.
Just lost the low beam filament on my H4 bulb.  I think it is Sylvania.  Looking for real world recommendations on replacement.  Another halogen brand?  A better LED bulb?  Add opinions about beam dispersion and long distance penetration.
I have a not-very-good LED unit in place now so I am legal until I find something better from your recommendations.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[bigbikerrick]

Patrick, I have experimented with a bunch of different bulbs in that headlight housing, including a couple of LED ones, which did not work out at all. The best I have found is the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra, as far as light output,and brightness. They dont last as long as the regular cheaper bulbs, it seems, though. I really just wanted the best road illumination I could get, since I like to take night rides in the summer.  I am still not real happy with the high beam coverage, and plan to add some auxiliary spot lights, as soon as I find a pair I like.
Rick Duarte

[flower_king001]

I also have tried numerous bulbs as well in my 98 EV and in the end using the same as BBD "Sylvania Silverstar Ultra" but also added a set of Denali aux lights. Photo here of my current setup.

Brian

[guzzisteve]

Been running LED on mine but have the later larger headlight bucket for touring fairing. My 98EV has no relay set-up like yours but I got mine after seeing one of the customers lasting long time & he rides in dark more than I do.

https://www.rivcoproducts.com/shop/indian/led-lighting-indian/headlights-led-lighting-indian/led-100/

[Dilliw]

Still using the Sylvania.  I replaced the lens with a new one, however, and that made a huge difference.

[LowRyter]

Anyone know how much watts the electrical can take if when were to get a higher watt bulb?

I replaced mine with a cheap LED set up.  It's no brighter than the old 55wt bulb. 

[Guzikid]

  Just a friendly reminder when using high wattage (high output) bulbs there is a greater amount of heat from the bulbs that can "melt" wiring, sockets, and etc.  It's great to have these brighter head lights but, you are looking at a potential "Blackout" at night..........that's a bad thing to happen !   The Kid

[JoeB]

If going this route, like a 55/100 watt, I'd suggest a decent wire from the battery to a relay in the headlamp to power the high beam.
The handlebar switch will then only power the relay.
Also replace the headlamp socket with a ceramic one to prevent meltdown.

[John Croucher]

Patrick, I have experimented with a bunch of different bulbs in that headlight housing, including a couple of LED ones, which did not work out at all. The best I have found is the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra, as far as light output,and brightness. They dont last as long as the regular cheaper bulbs, it seems, though. I really just wanted the best road illumination I could get, since I like to take night rides in the summer.  I am still not real happy with the high beam coverage, and plan to add some auxiliary spot lights, as soon as I find a pair I like.
Rick Duarte

This type Light bulb?

Sylvania Silverstar ULTRA 9005