Yes, this is a stupid question-Dash Lights

[PmodelinUS]

So I was riding my STead last night after dark. When looking at the gauges I could not remember if the speed indicator bar was supposed to light up. Looked at my only pick of the dash at night and can't tell. LOL.

 

[Upt' North]

It's just back-lit.
Upt.

 

[ST1100Y]

There 4 incandescent bulbs (P/N 34908-MB9-871, bulb, wedge base, (T10) (12V 1.7W)) which do darken over the years...
Maybe time to replace them (always all 4 as a set)...

 

[PmodelinUS]

Thanks for the input. Have to give that a checking into.

 

[Erdoc48]

The only stupid question is the one not asked. Geez, I haven’t ridden at night in some time (I need to ride more…a lot more).

 

[PmodelinUS]

I will say the stock headlight is ok but really sucks at dusk.

 

[GGely]

Rode home last night in the dark for about 50km/30 miles with the led headlights and fix lights lighting up the road.

At one point I was shoulder checking to change lights and noticed how bright the Hyperlights on my saddle bags are. And how noticeable the alternating yellow/white of the front turn signals are.

Yup, it’s been a while!

 

[Uncle Phil]

I will say the stock headlight is ok but really sucks at dusk.

Replace your headlight with the recommended LEDs - you won't regret! (At least I haven't!)

 

[ST Gui]

I will say the stock headlight is ok but really sucks at dusk.

It didn't get much if any better with the 1300. It's factory incandescents were 2 x 45W. As Unk mentions installing any of the recommended LED bulbs will let you see things in a whole new light.

My first upgrade was a pair of Honda 55/60W bulbs and $7 ea. A big difference. When I upgraded those with 2 LED headlight bulbs the difference between those was huuuge. My 55/60s went to my ST buddy and he was impressed with that alone.

Aside from the first time replacing headlight bulbs that's probably one of the biggest bang for the buck and easiest upgrades to do.

 

[PmodelinUS]

Well finally I got those gauge light bulbs. Ordered them like a week and a half ago from partzilla. They still haven't shipped. Lol. Went by the dealer Friday afternoon, ordered them hopping I would get them before next weekend. Well the dealer called me today to let meknow they are in. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Found the first 3 bulbs easy. The four is hiding down low under other things. Well all the bulbs had a pretty smoke tint to them and 2 were burnt out altogether.

Since I was already there I decided to swap to LED headlights. Wow. Look forward to seeing how much better the view is. Really wasn't that hard, thankfully.

 

[ST1100Y]

Well all the bulbs had a pretty smoke tint to them and 2 were burnt out altogether.

Explaining the faint display...

 

[PmodelinUS]

Yeah, and here I just thought my eyes where getting old. LOL. Still donesn't help me read tiny print on things though!

 

[Sadlsor]

Still donesn't help me read tiny print on things though!

What?!!
You didn't order the new magnifying bulbs while you were at it?

 

[ST Gui]

Really wasn't that hard, thankfully.

And you will be very impressed with the ROI of your efforts.