Lightbulb questions

[hackers2r]

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.

[He Man]

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

[ducamonsta]

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
from $19.99 - $29

[battlecry]

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. 

[erichan8757]

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

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.

[Mr.Saturn]

The Osram Rallye 70/65w +50 H4 bulb at 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.

[Mr.Saturn]

This link is also really good for seeing side-by-side differences in H4 output by bulb: 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!