65W okay?
 

I like the 55W PIAA Superwhite bulb just fine but I tend to outrun my headlight despite adjustment at 80mph on long highways.

If I adjust it too high then the highbeams are useless and go into outer-space.

2 Questions:

1.) What height should I adjust the headlight on a flat surface at what distance?

2.) Can I upgrade to a 60W or 65W bulb safely without melting the wires and/or voltage regulator and not have to add a heat-sync?

see below

Re: 65W okay?
 

I'm running a PIAA 80w/80w (H/L). My light went out the night b/4 a 1700 mile trip. It was the only bulb I had in the house at the time. So far no ill effects. ASMOF it's still in the bike.

Re: 65W okay?
 

Ah, so you used the 80/80 for at least 1700 miles with no ill effect. Before I had posted I had searched for forum and someone used a higher watt bulb causing the voltage regulator to sizzle and fry and suggested a fan or heat-sync. Was it hot on your trip, ie. over 90F? Has anyone else used an 80/80, and if so, was it a significant improvement? I have a PIAA 55 right now (SuperWhite).

I can't seem to get a comfortable position for the bulb with the adjusters. If I set it too high then the highbeams are useless. Anyone know the distance/angle/trick? From factory it was sucky.

Re: 65W okay?
 

the trip was four days of constant ridding. Olympia to Lolo, MT and back via Eastern Oregon. Once we crossed the Cascades into Eastern Washington the temp never went below 95f. The section through Eastern Oregon hit 104f.

Did all the riding durring the day. So can't comment on any improvement due to the increased wattage.

No problems with the voltage regulator (original old type). Did make sure it had a good ground and put some computer heat sink compound between the regulator and the subframe plate it mounts to.

I've had a Wagner 1210 H4 100/80 watt bulb in the bike for over 10,000 miles and haven't had any problems. Great illumination at night, and it's not nearly as expensive as the PIAA or other similar 'performance' lights (about $10 at NAPA).

Just my $.02

-Jim

the 65 is fine.