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charliegadget
20-10-08, 14:24
Hi All.

The mail beam (not high beam) bulb has just died on my GS. Before I order/buy another of the same, is there anything I can do it improve the lighting by putting a more powerful bulb in? Will the bike electrics take it?

Any advice would be gratefully received... otherwise I will replace like for like!

Thanks

Charlie
Padge
20-10-08, 14:37
Don't bother with stronger bulbs. Waste of time and money.

Get some HID's off Les Wassal from this parish. Peice of pish to fit and one of the best mods you can make on the bike.
Slowdown
20-10-08, 14:41
+1 It's really not *that* much more to go HID - fancy '80% brighter' type bulbs (and the like) are really a false economy in my experience.

There's loads of 'Howto's' on fitting HIDS on here - it's really really easy!!
Les Wassall
20-10-08, 14:43
And if it's the wrong time of the month ;) and funds are short send me your address and you can have a H7 bulb FREE :thumb2
magpie
20-10-08, 15:43
And if it's the wrong time of the month ;) and funds are short send me your address and you can have a H7 bulb FREE :thumb2

how about that for a great service................... well done Les:aidan
Slowdown
20-10-08, 16:03
I've got a fine collection in my garage - GT150's, Osram +80%, Osram Silverstars....


Not sure you'd want them though ;)
HeatedGrips
20-10-08, 16:08
Strictly speaking, not road legal, but I fitted one when my standard 55W bulb blew.

Despite what others seem to think it does make a difference - 5 miles of my route home is along unlit country lanes and the more powerful bulb is brighter.

Nothing has melted in the wiring loom - yet! I'm thinking of uprating the high beam now.
Les Wassall
20-10-08, 16:53
These high powered bulbs all seem to work and work well for the money, but I have taken apart more than 1 light pod to remove the damage inside due to the increased heat of the bulb, the internal has slowly melted and then dropped into the light, that’s why IMHO for the extra money the HiD is the way to go, less heat, less power consumption and a lot more light :thumb2
karnevil
20-10-08, 17:02
Les do you use relays to pull in the power pack for your HID's,headlight and mainbeam unit or just power straight from the loom?Forgive me if this has been asked and answered before.I have a hID setup for my spots which I use a relay for.
1Rider
20-10-08, 17:38
No extra power used. One of my friends and I both installed Les's 50W slim kits to both main and dipped lights on our two '08 GSAs Thursday evening. Rode about 400 km this weekend in darkness here in Norway (return trip overcast and light rain). Dipped is perfect :clap Just like it should have been delivered from BMW! Main is pretty close to that. :thumb2 (The time delay before full effect, unless the main has been recently used is a small inconvenience, and one could allways hope for more light.) :bounce1

To me bottom line is: If you are conserned about the std lights and would like better lights - go ahead:)
Wapping
20-10-08, 17:40
These high powered bulbs all seem to work and work well for the money, but I have taken apart more than 1 light pod to remove the damage inside due to the increased heat of the bulb, the internal has slowly melted and then dropped into the light, that’s why IMHO for the extra money the HiD is the way to go, less heat, less power consumption and a lot more light :thumb2


A big thumbs up for Les W's advice and his excellent service. Without a doubt the best single improvement I have ever made to a motorcycle......now, where's that Ohlins catalogue?
Les Wassall
20-10-08, 17:41
Cheers Paul :thumb2
charliegadget
20-10-08, 19:58
Hi Les,

Thanks for the info... Are they really easy to fit?? I would be interested to get a price from you for a set..

I really dont know exactly what the "kit" includes etc..

Funds are short, and need to get sorted quickly as I have no main beam at the mo and the nights are drawing in!

Please let me know

Thanks

Charlie
SVENA
20-10-08, 21:25
To me bottom line is: If you are conserned about the std lights and would like better lights - go ahead:)

I agree, HID's the way forward if you want more light. I fitted a set of Les 50watt's, and what a difference:thumb2
Brian ROSEN
20-10-08, 21:32
Well, Les - if you are passingthrough Vienne (South of Lyon) how about some 'free' B & B in exchange for free fitting? Brian
Les Wassall
21-10-08, 01:00
Well, Les - if you are passingthrough Vienne (South of Lyon) how about some 'free' B & B in exchange for free fitting? Brian

You could have a deal there :D it will be the second set of HiD's I've fitted in France :thumb2
Brian ROSEN
21-10-08, 06:27
You could have a deal there :D it will be the second set of HiD's I've fitted in France :thumb2 Ok - How about Spring 2009 ? I have a 1200GS - 2008 model, (my second 1200.) Keep in touch. Brian
Les Wassall
21-10-08, 15:42
Ok - How about Spring 2009 ? I have a 1200GS - 2008 model, (my second 1200.) Keep in touch. Brian

Will do :thumb2
patboy
22-10-08, 18:43
I must say I have an HID dipped beam kit from Les and Les fitted two HID spots for me as well. The best money I have spent on the bike without a doubt. I am still amazed how bright they are and it makes alot of difference other vehicles seeing you on the road. If they don't see me now, they get blasted with the stiebel horn for good measure :)