A Thank You To Hampsterfromhell, and on to the next modification

[ThomWV]

I wanted to start by thanking Hampsterfromhell for providing a link to a supplier* for improved lighting for my bike. Anything that makes the bike more visible or improves visibility for the rider is of interest to me and an improved headlight can do both.

Harley Davidson changed their lights to some improved version in 2005 I am told, my bike is a 2002. While I do little nighttime riding anymore and the light on the bike isn't all that bad I've become spoiled by my wife's car. Her Audi has headlights that are just plain wonderful; bright but with crisp cutoffs so oncoming traffic is not blinded. So I have had improved lighting in the back of my mind for a while now. Hampsterfromhell's post** prompted action.

So this morning I ordered a new headlamp shell*** and high performance bulb**** to use in it. The shell, built to european specifications, will be a direct replacement for my existing light and the bulb I ordered (Osram Hyper H4 70/65) should be significantly brighter than stock. Although brighter bulbs are available I chose that one because it retains good bulb life but who's lower wattage will not cause it to operate overly hot or challenge my bikes limited alternator output. Besides, if it doesn't light things up to my liking I can always just buy a hotter bulb.

I will report back about the ease of instillation and comment on actual performance. For now, the price of the parts with shipping was about $75 but that included a standard bulb that came with the light shell that I will keep for a spare. Thanks again to Hampsterfromhell.

* http://www.rallylights.com/index.asp

** http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=393x482#489

*** http://www.rallylights.com/hella/5.75_lo.asp?Order_Flag=1&Quantity=1&Description=71456+5%2D3%2F4%22+Round+Hi%2FLo+headlamp%2C+with+H4+12V%2C+60%2F55W+bulb%2C+Each&Message=&Alert=0&SRCH_DESCRIPTION=&SRCH_MANUFACTURER=&SRCH_ID=&SRCH_CATEGORY=&PageNo=&RowCount=

**** http://www.rallylights.com/hella/H4.asp#HYPER

[HamstersFromHell]

1. Twas nothing...

Just glad to pass along some things I found useful during my years on the road (and beside it lol).

I hope you like the result as much as I did when I converted my first one way back...wow, that was 20 years ago. Did it right before heading off to Sturgis in '88.

I guess I should formally say "Hi!" to the group and give a little background...

Been riding since I was 10 with minibikes and got my first "real" motorcycle when I turned 14...a 1966 Yamaha 80. Bought another Yamaha (the old purple HT-1 90cc enduro) in '72 and then jumped in both feet first...a basket case 1960 Triumph TR-6. Soon afterward, there was a succession of British bikes over many years; Tigers, Victors, etc. Somewhere around 1976 dirt bikes looked fun again, and I bought a Maico 440 Adolf Weil replica to race and a Husky 360CR for a play bike.

Currently without a bike, but hoping to have that little problem fixed by the end of summer at the worst.

Started in the motorcycle business as a mechanic in 1977, have worked over the years for 8 different shops, and service manager of one more. Factory trained on Triumph (vintage), BMW (from the Butler & Smith days), Suzuki and Kawasaki. Have worked in shops for dealers of: Triumph, BMW, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Harley, Aprilia, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Cagiva, MV, Husqvarna, Indian, Polaris, Vespa, Puch, Arctic Cat and Can-Am. (Also one dealer of the cheap Chinese junk ATVs of which I'm not proud to admit.) Oddly enough, despite racing one, I never worked for a Maico dealer, nor KTM, Bultaco, Benelli, Ossa or BSA.

Haven't always managed to keep up with the business, but nonetheless, I'll be happy to try to help anyone who asks.