Replacement headlight bulbs - Philips Vision Plus H4 bulb

[PaulB]

I've just spent quite some considerable time researching replacement headlight bulb options as my standard bulb looked a little tired to me.

I've looked at many options and some of the claims over improved output have to be treated with caution. Avoid cheaper OEM products from Asia. Also avoid the very high powered bulbs with 80%+ gains because they have a shorter life expectancy.

I took advice and have just ordered for my BMW R1150R the Philips Vision Plus H4 bulb with a claimed 50% lighting upgrade.

An independant Auto Express Review stated:
"Philips' top-of-the-range option is a superb bulb which performed comfortably ahead of the plus 30% premium versions. You just cannot ignore the performance, which is why the Vision Plus merits our Recommended award."

See: >> http://www.powerbulbs.com/product_detail.asp?prod=45

This company were very helpful and efficient. I paid £18.45 GBP (about $37.00) for two bulbs AND they do free world wide shipping.

Although not a true "anti vibration" bulb, Power Bulbs recommended this bulb and said the high build quality would ensure a good life expectancy.

Hope you found this post useful.

[DJ Downunder]

That's what I use and they seem to last a couple of years..I'm on my third.

DJ

[csalt]

Is the pvph4 the proper part # for the Rockster?

[jm1515]

I like them. I've had one in since LY....have about 14000mi on it. Also bought it from PowerBulbsUK...got it in less than 10days.
It's noticably brighter/whiter than OE...

[Airman]

I like them. I've had one in since LY....have about 14000mi on it. Also bought it from PowerBulbsUK...got it in less than 10days.
It's noticably brighter/whiter than OE...

I'm going to buy this product shortly.
Found it here: http://www.casporttouring.com/store/mer ... de=Philips for $27.80 for two.

[rdsmith3]

Interesting. Power bulbs told me that the best H4 bulb they sell is the Philips X-Treme Power.

I use a Philips 90/100 watt bulb with a relay. It is very bright!

Whatever bulb you get, I recommend installing a relay, such as one from Eastern Beaver

http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/ ... _kits.html

[PaulB]

Hi guys - thanks for the interest. Not sure about the Rockster part # as mine's a standard R1150R.

Didn't know about the relay so will take a look. Cheers, Paul

[Airman]

Interesting. Power bulbs told me that the best H4 bulb they sell is the Philips X-Treme Power.

I use a Philips 90/100 watt bulb with a relay. It is very bright!

Whatever bulb you get, I recommend installing a relay, such as one from Eastern Beaver

http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/ ... _kits.html

California Sport Touring's description says the 55/60 watt bulb is for offroad use onlly. Is the Plus 50 actually 55/60 or is it the 90/100 ?

[jm1515]

Interesting. Power bulbs told me that the best H4 bulb they sell is the Philips X-Treme Power.

I use a Philips 90/100 watt bulb with a relay. It is very bright!

Whatever bulb you get, I recommend installing a relay, such as one from Eastern Beaver

http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/ ... _kits.html

California Sport Touring's description says the 55/60 watt bulb is for offroad use onlly. Is the Plus 50 actually 55/60 or is it the 90/100 ?

It's only 55/60 same as OE...no relay needed. Perfectly legal for on-road...I think!
Anyway, I bought mine from PowerBulbs because I bought into the 'Euro-spec' vs 'US-spec' bulb discussion, such as...

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread. ... powerbulbs

A good discussion with lots of good links, and the bulbs are excellent, as is the service from the vendor.

[rdsmith3]

It's only 55/60 same as OE...no relay needed. Perfectly legal for on-road...I think!
Anyway, I bought mine from PowerBulbs because I bought into the 'Euro-spec' vs 'US-spec' bulb discussion, such as...

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread. ... powerbulbs

A good discussion with lots of good links, and the bulbs are excellent, as is the service from the vendor.

The vendor is good, even for those of us in the US.

Now why do you say that no relay is needed? Have you ever seen the thin gauge wire that BMW runs to the headlight? If you wire your headlight directly to the battery with heavy gauge wire and a relay, you will improve your light output with the same bulb. You will get more current to the bulb. Moreover, with the stock arrangement, the full current draw of your headlight is going through the switch, which does not make sense to me (but I am not an electrical engineer).

I just do not understand BMW's logic for including a relay for the horn, which is used only occasionally, but not for the headlight, which is always on.

[jm1515]

Now why do you say that no relay is needed?....
(snip)..

I just do not understand BMW's logic for including a relay for the horn, which is used only occasionally, but not for the headlight, which is always on.

Because it is not 'needed'..... for a 55/60w (same as OE) replacement, that is.... Never said it was 'not a good idea'.

I agree w/ the rest of your post, tho.....

[adg44]

Is the pvph4 the proper part # for the Rockster?

The rockster takes two H1 bulbs, not an H4. I am using Osram Silverstars. All the +50% bulbs are essentially the same. Just get whichever one is cheaper.

- Anthony

[rdsmith3]

Now why do you say that no relay is needed?....
(snip)..

I just do not understand BMW's logic for including a relay for the horn, which is used only occasionally, but not for the headlight, which is always on.

Because it is not 'needed'..... for a 55/60w (same as OE) replacement, that is.... Never said it was 'not a good idea'.

I agree w/ the rest of your post, tho.....

I understand what you are saying, but couldn't you also say that the horn relay is not needed? It is just a brief burst of current on a fused circuit.

It just seems inconsistent to me. I am expecting extreme German engineering logic, perhaps, and it just is not present in this case.

[Paul Mihalka]

Most horns, specially dual or big horns, draw more amps than what you want to run through handlebar pushbutton switches.