Headlamp Bulb Replacement

Just a quick question. My left hand low beam light went out yesterday. I want to replace them both. I don't want to modify the mount or the buib, just simply replace the bulbs.

Is there a recommended one for one, no frills replacement bulb?

I did a search and found this one.

PIAA - H4 NIGHT-TECH REPLACEMENT BULB

jfheilman said:

Just a quick question. My left hand low beam light went out yesterday. I want to replace them both. I don't want to modify the mount or the buib, just simply replace the bulbs.

Is there a recommended one for one, no frills replacement bulb?

I did a search and found this one.

PIAA - H4 NIGHT-TECH REPLACEMENT BULB

Click to expand...

As you may know after reading some of the threads on ST1300 replacement bulbs the OEM bulb has the lower two locating tabs at 120 degrees apart and this is different from commonly found aftermarket bulbs. The PIAA bulb referenced is a H4 / 9003 bulb and those tabs are 90 degrees apart so the tabs would have to be bent out of the way or completely removed. They require a small modification to fit.

This thread may be helpful:

https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?114333-Pic-comparison-of-OEM-amp-aftermarket-H4-9003-bulbs-and-altering-latter-to-fit-ST1300&highlight=

jfheilman said:

Just a quick question. My left hand low beam light went out yesterday. I want to replace them both. I don't want to modify the mount or the buib, just simply replace the bulbs.

Is there a recommended one for one, no frills replacement bulb?

I did a search and found this one.

PIAA - H4 NIGHT-TECH REPLACEMENT BULB

Click to expand...

Yes, I know you said no modification, but these bulbs are as good as any halogen you can get for usable light output. Also, do not be tempted to use higher wattage halogens than 60/55. They can, and will melt the glue that holds your $450 headlight housing together, not to mention wiring issues.

Go to your local WM or auto parts store and buy two 9003s or H4s, like these:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/16913667?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227017563324&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=64474142688&wl4=pla-91305819408&wl5=9013577&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=16913667&wl13=&veh=sem

You can get two of them for about $16. A whole lot less than one OEM and better IMHO. Cut the two bottom tabs off even with the base, bend the two pins at the bottom flat, and stick em in. The spring holds it in place just fine. Be aware that you must squeeze the sides of the plug firmly when removing from the old headlights. I have been using these since 1991 in three different STs, never a problem.

I have bought lots of bulbs from www.candlepowerinc and from the local parts store. All have worked well. Have you ever changed bulbs in your ST? If not, bring plenty of patience with you. If you are anywhere near Charlotte and want some help, I'd be glad to give you a hand.

st11ray said:

I have bought lots of bulbs from www.candlepowerinc and from the local parts store. All have worked well. Have you ever changed bulbs in your ST? If not, bring plenty of patience with you. If you are anywhere near Charlotte and want some help, I'd be glad to give you a hand.

Click to expand...

Well while not "near" I am only a 100 miles away or so. I have done one bulb change (maybe two but I forget). Its got 95,000 miles so, Its time for both.

jfheilman said:

I want to replace them both. I don't want to modify the mount or the buib, just simply replace the bulbs.

Is there a recommended one for one, no frills replacement bulb?

Click to expand...

That would only be the OEM 45W/45W bulb for the ST1300.

As has been mentioned here and in other threads the bulb commonly referred to has H4 will not fit our STs.

I bought two 55W/60W H-4 factory bulbs from Honda (that fit some other model of bike) for my ST. It was a simple matter to snip off the bottom two tabs. Some bulbs have two tiny lugs at the 6:00 position that keep the bulbs from seating flat. Those need to be flattened as previously mentioned. These bulbs didn't have that problem. I bought them a year or two ago and they were about $16.

There are a lot of aftermarket bulbs like Ultrastars and the like but people seem to say they have shorter life spans. My next bulbs will be LEDs.

ST Gui said:

My next bulbs will be LEDs.

Click to expand...

Yep, best option.

DeanR said:

Yep, best option.

Click to expand...

I recently installed the Evitek G6 LEDs (ST1300 and in my NC700X) and I'm not sold on them. The low beam is good but the high beam is soft and fuzzy in the center. The light pattern of a good halogen 60w/55 still seems tighter and gives contrast that somehow seems lacking with the LEDS despite a brighter, whiter output.

dduelin said:

I recently installed the Evitek G6 LEDs (ST1300 and in my NC700X) and I'm not sold on them. The low beam is good but the high beam is soft and fuzzy in the center. The light pattern of a good halogen 60w/55 still seems tighter and gives contrast that somehow seems lacking with the LEDS despite a brighter, whiter output.

Click to expand...

I may have spoke a bit too soon Dave, as I haven't much used them at night yet. But they are great during the day to be seen, and there is no more stupid bail to fiddle with.
Can't imagine them being any worse than the halogens at night though.

Yes, I am still weighing the benefits and have not removed them.

I ride little at night so visibility in daytime traffic is much more important. I have LED accessory visibility lighting and it makes a halogen headlight yellow by comparison. The LEDs are very good for being conspicuous especially with the accessory lights set in a triangle with the headlight.

What I like about the stock ST1300 headlight is that when I do travel at night I can use the high beam and adjust it down just a little so I never get a flash from oncoming traffic yet it throws a good beam down the road. The LED hi beam is dull right at the focal point the stock light with Silverstar Ultras is very good.