Brighter headlight bulbs???
#1
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With winter coming, my only chances to ride is going to be at night for quite awhile. Even with all 3 headlights going on my 00' SP500 at once, I still would like to have more candlepower lighting the way. I'm not too interested in taking the time to wire on a new set of lights, so I was hoping that someone out there has had some experience with those new light bulbs that come on higher-end vehicles. I've ridden in a car with those, and the difference is amazing. I know that those are more sophisticated than simply a different bulb, but is there anything I can add to my SP500 that will make a noticable difference?If so, where could I get my hands on these bulbs if they exist? TIA
Scott
Scott
#2
#3
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If you are talking about the lights you see on the Acura,Mercedes,BMW That have a blue tint to them, forget it. Those are what you call hid lights and are a different system altogether. I asked someone at the local speed shop and was quoted $2000 Canadian for a complete system. Your best solution would be to install a 100watt H-4 halogen bulb in place of the 60watt in the pod.
#4
#5
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Arc, This is somthing that I posted last year. There are a few diffrent H-4 bulbs made by diffrent companies for the Pod headlight on Polaris machines. I have a Magnum 500 ,I replaced the bulb with a Wagner part #BP1213H4, this is a 120 watt bulb which is extremly bright. There are disclaimers and warnings on the package that it is for off road use only and to not look directly at it while it is on. It is also illegal to use in Europe. It is bright. I was concerned about its affect on my charging system and possibly heat damaging the lens of the light pod. I have run it nearly 2 years now with all 3 lights together and have had no problems. It is one of the best cheap modifications I have ever done to a Quad.
By the way I got the bulb ordered through a local NAPA Parts store.
By the way I got the bulb ordered through a local NAPA Parts store.
#7
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#9
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I’ve tried 3 different aftermarket bulbs in place of the H4 pod light on Polaris. The first was a 100 watt bulb ($10). That threw a lot of light but with hand grips and thumb warmers running at the same time I felt there was too much current draw. It also got the lens housing so hot that it cracked ($45). Next I tried the Hella +30 H4 ($15). That’s a 55 watt bulb that is supposed to be 30% brighter with the same current draw as stock. I really didn’t notice much difference. Now I’m running an H4 made by PIA that has a 55 watt current draw but is supposed to be equivalent to the light thrown by a 100 watt bulb ($43). It definitely throws more light but it’s pretty pricey for what you get out of it.
I’ve looked at replacing the stock (27 watt) low beam bulbs with 55 watt bulbs but nothing I’ve found matches up. I know at least one contributor to this forum who replaced the entire low beam lights with aftermarket 55 watt driving lights mounted to the bumper. I’m reluctant to do this because the stock low beams are fairly well designed to keep moisture out and their side mount allows them to swing away if they take a hit by a branch. These are both advantages in the deep water and brush bustin’ we do.
I did try some “ATV lights” once sold by Cabela’s ($70) that I mounted between the bumper tubes on my last RSE. They were worthless. Not only was the amount of light they threw insignificant but they were a wasted drain on the charging system and didn’t hold up to our trail conditions.
We’re running halogen tail light bulbs in both our machines right now and they are bright ($9). One burned out after the first ride. I replaced it hoping it was just a bad bulb. If another burns out soon I’ll be putting the old 1157s back in.
I’ve looked at replacing the stock (27 watt) low beam bulbs with 55 watt bulbs but nothing I’ve found matches up. I know at least one contributor to this forum who replaced the entire low beam lights with aftermarket 55 watt driving lights mounted to the bumper. I’m reluctant to do this because the stock low beams are fairly well designed to keep moisture out and their side mount allows them to swing away if they take a hit by a branch. These are both advantages in the deep water and brush bustin’ we do.
I did try some “ATV lights” once sold by Cabela’s ($70) that I mounted between the bumper tubes on my last RSE. They were worthless. Not only was the amount of light they threw insignificant but they were a wasted drain on the charging system and didn’t hold up to our trail conditions.
We’re running halogen tail light bulbs in both our machines right now and they are bright ($9). One burned out after the first ride. I replaced it hoping it was just a bad bulb. If another burns out soon I’ll be putting the old 1157s back in.
#10