Chaharly Posted January 12, 2015 #1 Posted January 12, 2015 I know this has probably been asked a million times but I'm truly having a hard time finding it. What is the best direct replacement headlight for the Second Gen Royal Star Venture. Was gonna go with the silverstar ultra, but i hear they dont last long. Remember someone saying something about a bulb that started with a P... but i cant find the thread? So whats a good bulb to run
Flyinfool Posted January 12, 2015 #2 Posted January 12, 2015 This will go down the same road as asking about the best oil or tires. There are pros and cons to every choice available. Only you can decide which pros and cons matter to you to be able to make the best choice for you. Most people will say that what they have is the best, that is why they bought it. With that disclaimer, my choice is HID. Pros, It is the brightest available option. Reduced Amp Draw on the bikes electrical system. Cons Cost More work to install. Technically not legal for road use. (I have never heard of anyone getting stopped unless they went with a color other than white) Many cheap short lived options available.
XV1100SE Posted January 12, 2015 #3 Posted January 12, 2015 I think you are just looking for the recommended H4 bulb rather than swap out the guts of the headlight. I've run the Silver Star Ultra and it seems to be the bulb of choice. I carry a spare "OEM" bulb just in case. As for how long they last...I'd prefer the question how bright are they? On paper, they are the brightest direct replacement bulb you can get (as far as I know). My passing light bulbs are far brighter (GE H7616). A for the bulb that starts with a "P", think you are referring to PIAA. I don't have any experience with them. If you do a search on PIAA you'll find several hits.
bongobobny Posted January 12, 2015 #4 Posted January 12, 2015 The big question is how much money are you willing to spend?? HID and LED are going to cost a lot more than a couple of Silverstars...
XV1100SE Posted January 12, 2015 #5 Posted January 12, 2015 While you are at it, aim your headlights and passing lights ! http://www.venturerider.org/forum/lessons-learned/28576-aim-lights.html
awsmsrv Posted January 12, 2015 #6 Posted January 12, 2015 I've got the PIAA H3 XTreme White Plus (35w) in my passing lamps & the PIAA H4 XTreme White Plus (60/55w) in my headlight. All have been going strong for about 8 years now. Couldn't be happier.
djh3 Posted January 12, 2015 #7 Posted January 12, 2015 I have run the Wagner BP1210 With that being said it is more draw on charging system. But at bottom of page it shows a HELLA that is 55w low beam and the 100w high. That might be an option for you. I get an HID off e-bay for around $40. EZ plug and play with a relay and everything. About 20 min or so to install depending on if you can get your mitts in there to change the bulb anyways.
kevin-vic-b.c. Posted January 12, 2015 #8 Posted January 12, 2015 I am running a PIAA and it is much better than what had been in when I bought the bike although I do not know what that was. The old light was kinda green gold in appearance and was very dark in tunnels.
friesman Posted January 12, 2015 #9 Posted January 12, 2015 where did you get the replacement lights that fit in passing lamps? or did you swap out the entire assembley? (bulb, headlight and pot) I've got the PIAA H3 XTreme White Plus (35w) in my passing lamps & the PIAA H4 XTreme White Plus (60/55w) in my headlight. All have been going strong for about 8 years now. Couldn't be happier. Brian
Chaharly Posted January 12, 2015 Author #10 Posted January 12, 2015 Since I'm running no other electronics the power draw isn't a concern for me. I'm going to check into a few of the simpler options
Sylvester Posted January 12, 2015 #11 Posted January 12, 2015 I run the PIAA and am very pleased with them. I changed the bucket in the hi/low light to Adjure wave cut. This put much more light out. I also changed the buckets in the pass lights to Adjure with PIAA 35 watt bulbs (very bright).
campfire12 Posted January 12, 2015 #12 Posted January 12, 2015 Silverstar is a good bulb. You can change it out with a spare while on the road if you carry one. On the other hand the HID may be brighter but not that easy to repair. I had a ballest go out on me one night a long way from home. I have driveing lights, but there just extra wally world lights. It was a long ride home. The best bulb is one you carry a spare for and is easy to change on the road.
awsmsrv Posted January 13, 2015 #13 Posted January 13, 2015 where did you get the replacement lights that fit in passing lamps? or did you swap out the entire assembley? (bulb, headlight and pot)BrianWhen I bought them I got the v star lamps instead of the venture sealed beam so I could change the bulbs easily. I bypassed the switch on the left lamp & put a push button lighted switch next to the left speaker.
Flyinfool Posted January 13, 2015 #14 Posted January 13, 2015 Silverstar is a good bulb. You can change it out with a spare while on the road if you carry one. On the other hand the HID may be brighter but not that easy to repair. I had a ballest go out on me one night a long way from home. I have driveing lights, but there just extra wally world lights. It was a long ride home. The best bulb is one you carry a spare for and is easy to change on the road. I carry a stock H4 bulb as a spare to my HID. I takes no more effort or time to change out the HID vs stock or any other H4 bulb. I paid more for a premium HID and have had zero issues in 4 years.
Carbon_One Posted January 13, 2015 #15 Posted January 13, 2015 On my bikes I've gone from the stock OEM's to Silver Stars to PIAA's, & last to HID's. Each step up provided more & better light. My favorite was the HID with Pisa's 2nd.
Chaharly Posted January 13, 2015 Author #16 Posted January 13, 2015 I have run the Wagner BP1210 With that being said it is more draw on charging system. But at bottom of page it shows a HELLA that is 55w low beam and the 100w high. That might be an option for you. I get an HID off e-bay for around $40. EZ plug and play with a relay and everything. About 20 min or so to install depending on if you can get your mitts in there to change the bulb anyways. So the Wagner bp1210 is just a direct replacement?
djh3 Posted January 13, 2015 #17 Posted January 13, 2015 Yes Much brighter. I have mine as a spare to the HID. There are times I think I like it better than the HID.
Chaharly Posted January 13, 2015 Author #18 Posted January 13, 2015 I read something about the HIDs not aiming properly. When I upgrade to heated gear I'll make the switch to HID
saddlebum Posted January 13, 2015 #19 Posted January 13, 2015 I've got the PIAA H3 XTreme White Plus (35w) in my passing lamps & the PIAA H4 XTreme White Plus (60/55w) in my headlight. All have been going strong for about 8 years now. Couldn't be happier. Tried the silver star, it was good but not good enough. I switched to the PIAA in 2008 and have run on the same bulb since for 47,000 km. Totally pleased with it.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now