1999 Goldwing 1500 SE

[wbhick]

I am considering upgrading my headlights from stock 45/45W to PIAA H4 Xtreme White Plus (I know a wholesaler and he's going to give them to me). They are rated at 60/55W. I know that I will need shims in order to use H4 bulbs but am wondering two things:

1. Will the increased wattage potentially damage the wiring in any way?
2. Will the PIAA bulbs be too hot and damage the plastic headlight housing?

Has anyone had any experience trying this? Any success stories (or cautions)?

Brian

[WingAdmin]

The wiring will probably not be damaged...although connectors might get hot. If I were going to do that, I might think about running new power wires to the headlights, and switching them using relays actuated by the old wires. That way you will get the full power to the lights and make sure you are getting the full brightness.

Heat is definitely an issue. I would really be cautious about putting such hot bulbs in there.

[silverado6x6]

This may be a bit of a sideways answer to your problem but here is what I just did yesterday, I have a 95 Aspencade, fitted dual 55 watt HID in the housings this summer and Cree 7 watt white LED projectors in the position lamps. A couple of weeks ago I answered a Craigslist ad about some GL1500 body plastic, wound up buying almost two bikes worth of dash, fairing and trunk parts. Out of it was the 98 SE clear headlight housing.
I noticed the H4 Bi xenon HID capsule prongs did not match up in the socket so I just bent them up and the wire bail snapped in place and they are staying put with just the one large prong keeping lamp oriented. The beam pattern is outstandingly precise in lo and hi position, and the 55 watt HID is said to be 5-7 times brighter than any stock or aftermarket halogen, and lasts longer. Its 3 times brighter than a regular 35 watt HID, which is enough for most people.
So far no issues with the lights.

[Happytrails]

The wiring will probably not be damaged...although connectors might get hot. If I were going to do that, I might think about running new power wires to the headlights, and switching them using relays actuated by the old wires. That way you will get the full power to the lights and make sure you are getting the full brightness.

Heat is definitely an issue. I would really be cautious about putting such hot bulbs in there.

Now your scaring me. I got those 60/55w bulbs from Cyclemax.

[WingAdmin]

The wiring will probably not be damaged...although connectors might get hot. If I were going to do that, I might think about running new power wires to the headlights, and switching them using relays actuated by the old wires. That way you will get the full power to the lights and make sure you are getting the full brightness.

Heat is definitely an issue. I would really be cautious about putting such hot bulbs in there.

Now your scaring me. I got those 60/55w bulbs from Cyclemax.

If Cyclemax sells them, then they are going to be OK. If people were reporting problems with them, I know for a fact that Gary would not be selling them.

[Happytrails]

Was hoping you would say that! Haven't had a chance to even put them in yet.

[landisr]

I most definitely am NOT an expert on electronics, but I always thought that a 60/55 bulb used the same power/current and produced the same amount of heat regardless of style, type or whatever. ??

I also was/am under the impression that the bike's wiring was designed for 60/55 but was sold in the States with 45/45 bulbs for some reason.

It's quite possible I am mistaken on either or both points. Can anybody confirm or deny?

Ron (still) in MI

[WingAdmin]

I most definitely am NOT an expert on electronics, but I always thought that a 60/55 bulb used the same power/current and produced the same amount of heat regardless of style, type or whatever. ??

I also was/am under the impression that the bike's wiring was designed for 60/55 but was sold in the States with 45/45 bulbs for some reason.

It's quite possible I am mistaken on either or both points. Can anybody confirm or deny?

Ron (still) in MI

A 60/55 watt bulb will always dissipate either 60 or 55 watts (high/low beam), and will always produce the same amount of heat as any other 60/55 bulb. Some bulbs will put out more LIGHT than others.

[Fiberthree]

I most definitely am NOT an expert on electronics, but I always thought that a 60/55 bulb used the same power/current and produced the same amount of heat regardless of style, type or whatever. ??

I also was/am under the impression that the bike's wiring was designed for 60/55 but was sold in the States with 45/45 bulbs for some reason.

It's quite possible I am mistaken on either or both points. Can anybody confirm or deny?

Ron (still) in MI

A 60/55 watt bulb will always dissipate either 60 or 55 watts (high/low beam), and will always produce the same amount of heat as any other 60/55 bulb. Some bulbs will put out more LIGHT than others.

It's also what is inside the glass envelope that gives you the intensity of light. That is why the HID's have different colors even though the same wattage. The wattage is the heat and for years I ran Silverstar lamps. I recently switched to the lower wattage HIDs. I also noticed the chrome reflector in my headlight housing is discolored and flaking. I attribute this to the higher wattage Halogen lamps that I had installed.