Generally unimpressed by my headlamp's performance, I've been looking in depth into my options here tonight. I do a lot of night riding and it seems like i'm riding past my headlamp's range at only 30 mph. Don't wanna go hot-rodding, but i DO like to see.
My electra parts catalog says my stock bulb is the 12v 60/55w sealed halogen. That's the same bulb as comes with the 7" conversion kits.
People rave about the 7" lamp and it's performance, but isn't it only the reflector that would make any difference from my current set-up? I agree that it looks way cooler than the stock fitting, but if possible i'd like to not spend 100 bucks... Also, can it make that big of a difference for the 7" if it's only the reflector that's changing, all bulbs staying the same?
Also suggested was this replacement bulb for the stock fitting: The Sylvania H4ST Silverstar...
http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-H4ST-BP-SilverStar-Performance/dp/B000AM8BN6?tag=vglnk-c357-20On the other hand, I read the entire rant on Daniel Stern's Lighting website
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/disadvantages/disadvantages.html explaining about lighting color/contrast and why HID's aren't all they're chalked up to be. Would the Silverstar bulb from above lead me more in the direction that Daniel Stern is warning me about?
I've read that a more complicated method would be to replace the wiring and electrics with something beefier and then use a higher wattage bulb, but that sounds too technical for me at the moment.
What other (and DIY) options have people done, and what options seem like they'd lead to the best performing headlamp? Facts and opinions both welcome!
Thanks in advance,
Chuck