Ducati Monster Forum

So I'm seeing a few options now where the bulb still uses 60/55 like factory but puts out a higher wattage.  Is there cause to be concerned about the additional heat created?  Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a good WHITE bulb.  Don't want blue or any blueish tint.  Thanks.

how much you looking to pay? good bulbs run about $20 a piece. PIAA makes some sweet bulbs

Check this one out < I am personally planning onbuying this
PIAA H4 Xtreme White Anti-Vibration Bulb 60/55w = 110/100w
from $ 38-$45
or

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=PHI_9003MVS1_G (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=PHI_9003MVS1_G)
from $19.99 - $29

I went with a Hella yellow bulb from Amazon.com.  Pretty darned distinctive.  So far no problem with the cops.  I saw another old bike with yellow bulb a few days ago also, made it really easy to see. 

had this bulb on my GT and it looks brighter and whiter
have not tried the cycle gear but I would consider the better brands
$38-45 is for one?
e.

The Osram Rallye 70/65w +50 H4 bulb at http://store.candlepower.com/ (http://store.candlepower.com/) would be my first choice without upgrading stock wiring; this is sometimes sold as a Philips bulb.  I have them in my car as well as on my bike.  Osram makes a higher wattage bulb that is available through Candlepower as well but I wouldn't chance toasting the wires (even as small of a risk as it is).  I considered going with a heavy yellow tinted bulb for the advantages in poor weather visibility but was recommended by two separate companies to NOT do this unless I were to go with a ~100W+ bulb and stock wiring.

In my experience PIAA is absolute crap.  Sylvania (the Silverstars in particular) were great for a while but, like PIAA, they seem to be targeting fads over quality lately.  The bottom line with incandescent bulbs is that without going with a truly higher power consumption, you will not be seeing any major gains in light output if you stick with a major manufacturer.  The X/X watts = X/X watts ratings are a gimmick, and almost all tinting will reduce output.  This is why I like the Osram bulb;  it is one of the few bulbs with a white color, slightly higher wattage, and not a high enough wattage to require relays and new wiring.

I think Candlepower is associated with Daniel Stern Lighting, which is an excellent source of information regarding automotive lighting.  More about cars than bikes, but the information is still valid.

This link is also really good for seeing side-by-side differences in H4 output by bulb: http://www.clearcorners.com/tech/002/ (http://www.clearcorners.com/tech/002/)

He doesn't use brand names on everything in the shootout but the "Ultra-Premium H4" is the Osram/Philips I mentioned above.  I've spoken to the guy who runs the site and he is quite knowledgeable about automotive lighting!