Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Headlamp bulbs

[L3OONY]

I know that this subject has been done to death, but amidst all of the excellent blurb I am struggling to get some simple answers...

We are off to Nurbergring week after next and I would like some lamps that are a bit brighter than the standard Ducati ones.

I have read about Philips and Osram etc., but wonder: -

a) What are the best for all round riding

and

b) What can I fit that fits straight in and doesn't require any changes to the wiring/holders etc

Sorry to raise what appears to be a well discussed topic, but would really appreciate a answers that a simpleton (i.e. me) can understand.

Thanks

[antonye]

Don't go for anything with a higher wattage rating as it will fry your electrics!

There is no build in margin to run anything but a 55W headlight through the reg/rec.

I run blue tinted bulbs as they appear to cast a whiter light and the blue sheen gets you noticed more as it's an unnatural colour.

If you're lacking in the "lighting up the road" stakes, it might be worth fiddling with the headlight adjuster to make sure it's setup right.

[Gannet]

I've got lamp made by PIAA in mine. I've had not problems with them. They produce a brighter light, but for the same power as the standard lamps.

Regards,

G

[psychlist]

Phillips!
50% brighter main &
30% brighter "Bluevision" dip.
Plug straight in!

[Totto]

Phillips Xenon jobies here

[L3OONY]

Thanks everyone,

Originally posted by psychlist
Phillips!
50% brighter main &
30% brighter "Bluevision" dip.
Plug straight in!

Now for some really thick questions: -

As the dip and main are separate, are they single filament bulbs or standard twin?

Also, the bulbs above sound like what I need, so are they both the same and are they called Bluevision?

(I did say I was thick... )

[antonye]

They are seperate bulbs - dipped is on the left and full beam on the right as you sit on the bike.

I *think* that one is an H1 bulb and the other an H4 bulb, but please check with the manual before you go and buy them as I might be wrong.

Getting at the bulbs is a royal pain in the arse as the leads are usually tucked away behind the headlight bucket (the metal casing) making changing them on the bike almost impossible. I usually take the top fairing off (4x dzus, 2x allen and the mirrors) and then take the headlight unit out (undo the adjuster bolt and then slide it out) to do it as it makes it much easier.

This might be a good time to buy a Haynes manual....

[L3OONY]

Cool, thanks A.

Now off to find some bulbs...(and a manual)

[antonye]

Should be able to get both at Halfords to be honest. They usually have a good range of Haynes manuals.

[L3OONY]

Cheers