K11 Owners Group

RAL88 · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 7:52 pm Post subject: Higher wattage headlights?

My headlight went out and I have some low 90, high 100 watt h4 bulbs. Are these ok to use in the headlight or are there issues with heat build up in the housing, melting issues or turning any plastic brown.

Drake, I think I remember you mentioning that you use higher wattage bulbs, any input.

Thanks,
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 8:06 pm Post subject:

I run 90/100W Xenon bulbs in both of my bikes. (And did in my K100RS4V.) I look at my reflectors every few months (when I get around to cleaning the bike) and haven't noticed any issues.

However, Xenon bulbs supposedly run cooler than Halogen bulbs so I'm not sure if running a higer wattage Halogen would cause issues. I'd recommend using the Xenon anyhow since they put out whiter brighter light.

WARNING: Do not go to a higer wattage bulb unless you have installed headlight relays and beefed up the headlight wiring.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 8:31 pm Post subject:

Rich, I have also installed the 90/100 Xenon lamps, with E.B. relay setup on both bikes.

Haven't noticed any browning or deforming of the lamp housing.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

RAL88 · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 10:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks, it is a xenon so I will give it a shot. I never use the high beam and if I need more light I turn on my hellas.
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

Mystic Red · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 10:33 pm Post subject:

I use NAPA 90/100 "off road" halogens and have had no issues. Are the Xenon the "blue" light?
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 10:47 pm Post subject:

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 11:59 pm Post subject:

Depending upon the state you're riding in I think that in general you're better off going with an "ultrawhite " Xenon bulb vs. something that emulates HID and is bluer. LEOs in CA will definitely give me a second look as aftermarket HIDs are very much illegal due to the light scatter they create but I think that the fact that mine aren't too blue keeps the LEOs from pulling me over and checking.

BTW: 90/100W bulbs are illegal per federal DOT standards. I'm very careful to make sure my 90W low beam is aimed carefully and does not blind oncoming traffic nor create undue excess glare in the rear view mirrors of cars I'm riding behind.

IMO you're much better off not blinding the drivers around you. I'm all for getting the best visibility but not at the expense of other peoples' safety.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

AUSBRICK · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 5:32 am Post subject: 100/130 GLOBE

I've been running a 100/130 globe in my lt for over a year and nothing has melted or discolored, it has got a 50 w alternater in it as it was ex cop bike , 2 driving lights and the 130 turn night into day almost. Mick from Aus
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92k1100 lt with sidecar. 93K1100 CAFE..86K75C.95 k1100lt