Re: Upgrading ST1100 headlight bulbs

[Streak]

If I don't want to go to HID setups, is there a bulb or bulbs I can upgrade to that won't blind people on my low beam but improve my high beam?

Cheers

Streak

[Diesel]

Greg (horizontal) talks about +50, +80 and +100 halogen bulbs that are superior to standard ones. What this all means technically, I'm not sure, maybe he can help out. PM him or something, but be sure to share your findings on the forum for everyone to learn from.

Cheers

[Dan]

I used Osram Night Racer on my FireBlade and they seemed a bit better than the standard bulbs on both main and high beams.

In my experience, stay away from Philips bulbs, they blow quicker than a $10 hooker.  Found this to be the case on 2 bikes and 2 cars, so it wasn't a vehicle-specific issue.

The ST11 I have seems to use 'different' H4 bulbs to the normal ones - the locator pins are in different positions.  Don't be put off though, one of the locators is pretty much in the right place, I just bent the other 2 out of the way.  It's perfectly secure as it's held in by the wire spring securely.

Again I have looked in to lighting upgrades for my 11, I've decided to go for HID - 35w, 4300k, AC.  Not ordered a kit yet, maybe next month.... 

[saaz]

I used the Philips vision plus in my ST11 for a few years.  They were used in a  car I had before that for a few years as well.  They do cost a fair bit more than normal H4s though and the extra vibration from a bike might shorten their life as they get more light output by using thinner lighting filiments.  These days a HID kit cost about the same as a pair of high performance bulbs. Putting in some 60/55W H4s should do what you want, but check what is in there already - original was Honda 45/45w.  I used to use 100/55, 100/90 amd 130/75 and 130/90 bulbs in my suzuki, but it has a metal reflector housing.  With the dual H4 in the ST11 I would be reluctant to go above 55w on the low beam but as high is used on the open road going for a 100w high might be ok.

[Malcolm6112]

I use Xenon globes in the Camry. Heaps brighter.

Got them on ebay for approx $30 with free post.

 

[alans1100]

If I don't want to go to HID setups, is there a bulb or bulbs I can upgrade to that won't blind people on my low beam but improve my high beam?

Cheers

Streak

At the moment I'm running 55/60watt xenon globes. They are a little brighter than the 45/45watt OEM and the blue tint cuts down the brightness on low beam for oncoming traffic. Adding driving lights will help but for distance a spot light may be better.  Most 4WD owners put both on.

The fault lies with Honda, for the headlight lens we have is the same one as the US and Canadian markets and to suit LH/RH drive markets the low beam pattern is basicly flat and a compromise.

Why our headlights weren't supplied with the UK version is mind boggling.

[saaz]

Unfortunately I have looked into the UK headlight and it is the same as ours beam pattern wise (ie flat, not that well defined), but it does take a normal H4 bulb. It seems Honda only did a proper headlight for the continental market with a sharp cutoff and kick up on low beam to the right.  Perhaps the euro regulations meant that had to?  I modified my headlight housing so I can use normal H4 bulbs and not have to bother with modifying the bulb - I had to justify getting a cordless dremel tool somehow :)

[alans1100]

If that is the case, then why three different part numbers and not two?


Part number 33120-MT3-601 is valid for country E (United Kingdom).
Part number 33120-MT3-671 is valid for countries CM,U,US (Canada, Australia and USA).
Part number 33120-MT3-611 is valid for all countries not mentioned i.e. AR,ED,F,FI,G,IT,N,SP,SW.



Read more: http://www.st-1100.com/st1100-parts.html#ixzz1nSfujR6x

[saaz]

I don't know but all the beam patterns I have seen look exactly like ours and the US pattern. The standard UK headlight does take normal H4s though, unlike ours and the US which only take those Honda specific ones.

[alans1100]

IThe standard UK headlight does take normal H4s though.

That would explain the part number difference.