Lightbulbs on 2010

[Neal12]

I've only had the bike for 2 years and 25K miles and have already gone thru 4 Sylvania Superstar Ultra low beams. No issues at all with the high beams. Should I be looking for a 'drastic' problem?

[Rambozo]

You can measure the voltage to see if you are out of spec.

[joeincalif]

Back in the early 2000 when a lot were changing to those bulbs because of their brightness short life of the bulb was a big issue

[Andy Cote]

Back in the early 2000 when a lot were changing to those bulbs because of their brightness short life of the bulb was a big issue

The packaging for those bulbs even says they have a shorter life than standard bulbs. I used them on my GL1500 and even had some free ones as a few failed within the warranty period and I kept the receipts. This is what drove me to try the HIDs and now the LEDs (plus the free LED kit I won from the monthly contest - THANK YOU WINGADMIN!).

If you want brighter and whiter light that last a long time, suggest you check the Product Review forum for LED headlights.

[Snowmoer]

Don't get the Ultras. As posted, they have a very short lifespan. Get the mid grade ones in the blue package. I just got 35K miles out of my last set. My OEM bulbs only lasted 30K miles. Also, before you put it in, put some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and wipe the bulb glass off. DO NOT Touch it! The oils on your hand create hot spots on the bulb shortening its life. The alcohol will take any dirt/oil off the glass.

[Ramnight]

These ultras and other types lije this have a very short lifespan.
Your best upgrade is to change to a couple pairs or Electrical Connections leds. These are much brighter and whiter, plus they will last for year's.

[Ramnight]

These ultras and other types like this have a very short lifespan.
Your best bet is to upgrade to a couple pairs of Electrical Connections leds. These are much brighter and whiter, plus they will last for year's.

[kwthom]

Y'know, one way to solve this problem (premature bulb failure) is to only have the bulbs illuminated when the bike is running. There's just something unique with this system that stresses those filaments every time that starter switch is used.

See, it's only those low beams that have the problem. The exact same high beam bulbs aren't enabled during startup, and have quite a long lifetime.

Think about this little tid-bit the next time you're in there replacing a bulb - or two.

[DenverWinger]

I'm sure it's same on the 1800's as the earlier bikes, the headlights (even low beams) power is cut when you hit the start button.... So being on while cranking should not be an issue.

[Ramnight]

The starter causing the bulb early failure is not really true. The low beams are on all the time when the bike is running which causes these these higher output bulbs have a shorter life than the high beams. Because they are built to operate on a lower voltage this is why they are brighter on 13.8 volts and do not last.
Plus these high output bulbs do not last long in a car or truck either.

[blupupher]

Y'know, one way to solve this problem (premature bulb failure) is to only have the bulbs illuminated when the bike is running. There's just something unique with this system that stresses those filaments every time that starter switch is used.

See, it's only those low beams that have the problem. The exact same high beam bulbs aren't enabled during startup, and have quite a long lifetime. Twitch.gif

Think about this little tid-bit the next time you're in there replacing a bulb - or two.

Nah, them cutting off and back on when starting is not an issue, the issue is the low beams are on any time the bike is running, vs the high beams only being used occasionally (or never for some) for most riders.
Just a lot more on time for the low beams, so they wear out sooner.

[D-WING]

I just purchased a set or Fahren H7 1:1 leds and they are very nice. was experiencing the same problem as you , Phillips xtremeVision's were rated at 50 Hours. these led's are rated at 50000hr I don't think they will go that long but still a lot longer than stock lamps. and you don't need to modify the rubber boot. I will attach some pictures but indefinitely going to change the high Beams also.