Not sure about 55/80w, but i use a 100/130 with no problems, and i've got a PILE of spare bulbs of various wattages, do you want me to have a rummage around and see what i've got?
Chris.

 

while we're on the subject, are the relays from eastern beaver any good?
i am considering one, or rather a diy effort as i'm a tightwad!!!
Chris.

 

If you are not running a relay, your 100/130 W bulb is infact a 50/65W bulb... Since it gets at the most 12V it puts out the same amount of heat/light as a stock bulb would with a relay...

So, no it's not a valid reference to weather a 100/130W bulb will work with a relay...

Yes, the relay kits from Eastern beaver are very good... But since you are going DIY, try loooking here https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=20946... TXSuperChicken posted a good link to getting the stuff needed...

 

mikstr: You won't find any 80/55W bulbs... They are typicaly 85/80 or similar... I was looking like crazy for a 80/55 but couldn't find one...

Osrams Hyper though seems to be available in 70/65W...

 

You probably won't find them at an autoparts store because they're not street legal, and if they do have anything, it's probably some cheap garbage marketed for the tuner crowd.

The 80w bulb will get you further than the relay kit will, but I suggest both. After a little research, I installed an Osram 85/80 watt bulb from rallylights.com. #CP64206. The high output on the lowbeam isn't a big deal if your light is aimed properly and doesn't blind oncoming cars.

Check this thread for the details:

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=19932

lowbeam comparison:


highbeam with new light and relay casting my shadow a block away:

 

thanks gents. Looks like it will either be a 100/55 or an 85/80. Given that I already have the realy kit installed, will running an 80W low-beam (always on here in Canada) screw up my lens (oe refelctor, or any other component) over time?

cheers

 

Nope... Anything under a 100W is completely safe... Above that and you could get problems in blistering summer heat, as in bike and rider dislikes it hot... Not that likely in Canada eh?

 

So is the Eastern Beaver kit the way to go for juicing up the headlight, or should I try the DIY route?
I have never been happy with the headlight on my VTR and I now see why upgrading the bulb had no effect on light output.

 

Jim Davis' Eastern Beaver kit is very good. He also carries connectors (polarized plug and spade connectors) for re-splicing the VR/R that fit OEM VR/R.

Jim uses 14ga wire between battery & relays and 16ga between relays and bulb. His ceramic HL plug is better with higher wattage bulbs, as is his option for QD connector.

Higher wattage bulbs eat into the 280 watts available from the alternator, 156 of this total output is used by the OE system for lights and ignition; leaving very little for accessories.

DIY "kits" should minimize the number of connections and maximize wire gauge.

 

Lots of cool stuff on his website.

 

Killer, I put it in the other headlight wiring thread. Jim's craftmanship is second to none, and the cost almost seems ridiculously low at $55 shipped from his home in Japan to your door. Like TXSuperChicken said, if you have the skill and tools already, DIY, if not then it will cost you more to get the tools and same materials than to buy it from Eastern Beaver.

Mikstr, go to www.rallylights.com or call them. Will is very knowledgable. I use the bulb that Tweety mentioned, a OSRAM Hyper at 85/80. Not problems with it all summer. Oh, you should be able to get it cheaper shipped than buying a lesser wattage bulb at the local auto store, i know this is true for me, but i'm in the states.

 

Thanks

 

I just ordered a (brand?) 100/55W and will give it a try (got it for a good deal through a pal who works for an aftermarket distributor). I wiil, however, keep your suggestions in mind.

thanks again for all your help

 

My 80/75 gets pretty toasty even on lowbeam with the relay kit.

Has anyone done this with the relay to confirm it didn't melt anything?

 

Don't know about the 80/75 but I have been running a Hella 100/55 for over four years with no problems. Installed a Eastern Beaver relay about six months ago and trouble free. Run the high beam during the day and night time is brighter than my truck high beams by far.