Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Kurt V on August 19, 2010, 05:20:13 AM

Title: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: Kurt V on August 19, 2010, 05:20:13 AM
My search fu must suck because all I find are a couple of posts from 2008. Anyways, for those of you keeping the stock headlight bucket, what bulbs are you using to get more light on the road at night? Thanks!
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: 64duc on August 19, 2010, 05:55:38 AM
 Not sure what bulb you need, but this is what I use in my 94 900.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hella-H83140171-Bulb-Halogen-H4-80-100-Watts-Clear-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ370412877419QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hella-H83140171-Bulb-Halogen-H4-80-100-Watts-Clear-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ370412877419QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: theprocess on August 19, 2010, 05:56:37 AM
Agreed.  I may give the GE Nighthawk Platinums a try.  You will need a H7 for the low beam and H1 for the high beam.
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: z0mb1e_DUC on August 19, 2010, 09:30:37 AM
I've personally used the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra's on my truck & my 696.  Big improvement. 
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: Kurt V on August 20, 2010, 04:51:03 AM
Thanks for the suggestions!  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: ungeheuer on August 20, 2010, 05:28:47 AM
Anybody have switchgear fry after installing brighter bulbs??  

I fitted phillips ... cant remember whats.... to the car I drive... much better than the stock so-called lighting.... but within weeks the light switch on the steering-stalk fried itself.  

It is a Ford though  [laugh]

Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: Raux on August 21, 2010, 11:31:59 AM
you can't go higher wattage. that's all. you can get better quality bulbs that have a higher color temp for a brighter cleaner light.
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: mojo on August 21, 2010, 12:17:29 PM
I have a Silverstar in mine.  I like it, and it's a huge improvement over stock, but some people say it has a short life span.
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: ducpainter on August 22, 2010, 03:58:55 AM
Quote from: Raux on August 21, 2010, 11:31:59 AM
you can't go higher wattage. that's all. you can get better quality bulbs that have a higher color temp for a brighter cleaner light.

Why not?

I did.

It's illegal in 50 states, but I can see. :-\
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: Raux on August 22, 2010, 04:02:11 AM
Quote from: ducpainter on August 22, 2010, 03:58:55 AM
Why not?

I did.

It's illegal in 50 states, but I can see. :-\

well suppose it depends on how much. if you pull too many amps you'll burn up the wires.
Title: Re: 696 Need brighter headlight bulb!
Post by: ducpainter on August 22, 2010, 04:08:02 AM
Quote from: Raux on August 22, 2010, 04:02:11 AM
well suppose it depends on how much. if you pull too many amps you'll burn up the wires.
I've run an 80/100 watt bulb in my bike for the last 9 years.

There has been no wire/switch damage.

Do the load calculation.

edit...if your bike has a plastic housing or lens heat buildup might be a problem