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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Spuddy on February 22, 2015, 09:36:56 PM

Title: SEVERE USE H3 BULBS?
Post by: Spuddy on February 22, 2015, 09:36:56 PM

After only 650 miles on my Stelvio NTX the bulbs of both fog lamps went out.  The auxiliary fuses didn't blow and the bulbs did not burn out.  It appears the filaments ruptured.  I suspect the lamps vibrate excessively and the Chinese bulbs were just not up to the task.  Is there any experience out there with Heavy Duty H3 bulbs?
 
Spuddy

Title: Re: SEVERE USE H3 BULBS?
Post by: Moto Fugazzi on February 22, 2015, 11:12:14 PM

I had Sylvania bulbs that lasted forever in my last set of fog lights.
Ken

Title: Re: SEVERE USE H3 BULBS?
Post by: Sheepdog on February 23, 2015, 04:23:09 AM

I've had 35w Piaa Superwhite bulbs in my Vintage's spots since 2007. They're very bright, they impose a light load on the electrical system, and are holding up well. They're easy to find for about $12-15 apiece...

Title: Re: SEVERE USE H3 BULBS?
Post by: Cage Free on February 23, 2015, 03:44:32 PM

Quote from: Spuddy on February 22, 2015, 09:36:56 PM

After only 650 miles on my Stelvio NTX the bulbs of both fog lamps went out.  The auxiliary fuses didn't blow and the bulbs did not burn out.  It appears the filaments ruptured.  I suspect the lamps vibrate excessively and the Chinese bulbs were just not up to the task.  Is there any experience out there with Heavy Duty H3 bulbs?
 
Spuddy

Its pretty much a given that anything other than a rock is going to be shaken to powder in the stock lamps location. I moved mine to the forks and have had no more problems since.

Title: Re: SEVERE USE H3 BULBS?
Post by: Spuddy on February 23, 2015, 07:01:08 PM

Quote

Its pretty much a given that anything other than a rock is going to be shaken to powder in the stock lamps location. I moved mine to the forks and have had no more problems since.

Wonder if LED units would work better at the stock location.

Title: Re: SEVERE USE H3 BULBS?
Post by: leafman60 on February 24, 2015, 05:25:11 AM

I've had good luck with standard bulbs but ...

I replaced my Hella stock lamps with a pair of Hella-made halogen lamps that use the same bulb but throw out much more light. The reflector design of the stock lamps leaves much to be desired.

Also, if you keep the stock lamps, be sure to protect the internal wires and coil them in the rubber boot. I highly recommend installing a pair of the fuse assemblies made by our friend, Kirb.  Go around and tighten the hell out of all fasteners that attach the engine guard and lamps to the bike. This quelled a lot of vibration for me.

Finally, be aware that the Big Fuse that blows when the lights short out and kill the alternator is located behind the plastic cover on the right side below the seat.  A spare is provided on the holder itself.

I lot of posting has been made concerning the auxiliary lamp issue on the Stelvio. You may should do a search.