Headlamp bulbs

[Scootabout 2,276]

My NC's headlamp dipped beam blew the other day, so I went into Halfords and looked at their (limited) range.  I found a Halfords halogen '50% brighter' bulb and a 'Halfords Bike It Ultra Brilliance Xenon' bulb that would both fit.  Not knowing which to choose I asked the woman on the checkout to tell me about them. She didn't really have a clue, but given that the first was £15 and the second (oddly) £5 I bought both.  I fitted the first one.  The second will be a spare.  I decided not to fit the xenon one because I don't want a bulb that's too bright during the daytime as it might dazzle drivers or make it harder for them to judge my distance from them, and I thought it might fit that description. 

 

My question: has anyone fitted a xenon bulb and how has it been for you?

[TheEnglishman 401]

HIDs are great, with caveats...

 

They're a PITA in the H4 bulb format - much better with H3 headlights.

You have to be careful with beam alignment or you'll risk dazzling oncoming vehicles at best and getting pulled over at worst.

Mounting the ballast can be tricky - but should be ok on the NC.

 

Personally, I've not bothered with mine - it was worth it on the GS when off road (with FF50's) but I drive on so few unlit roads now 'lots of light' isn't necessary

 

Now you'd likely do better with an LED solution.

[Scootabout 2,276]

57 minutes ago, TheEnglishman said:

HIDs are great, with caveats...

 

They're a PITA in the H4 bulb format - much better with H3 headlights.

You have to be careful with beam alignment or you'll risk dazzling oncoming vehicles at best and getting pulled over at worst.

Mounting the ballast can be tricky - but should be ok on the NC.

 

Personally, I've not bothered with mine - it was worth it on the GS when off road (with FF50's) but I drive on so few unlit roads now 'lots of light' isn't necessary

 

Now you'd likely do better with an LED solution.

 

I'm not sure it's HID.  It says 'Xenon gas technology' on the box but it also says 'halogen headlamp'.  And it has filaments - don't HID headlamps work on an arc principle?  

[embee 7,288]

It won't be a HID, as you say it'll be a "traditional" tungsten filament. They have various gas mixes added , xenon being one constituent, to give the performance (light output/colour/lifetime) that the manufacturers want, there being other implications for them regarding things like the temperatures the filament and envelope can withstand etc. Generally hotter and brighter means shorter life and more expensive, you pays your money .........

If it has an "E" mark on it will be fine in your vehicle (no dazzling etc if adjusted correctly in the first place), assuming it isn't a Chinese "E" mark which only means that the importer asked for one to be printed on it and the box.

There are a lot of fake expensive lamps around especially on the auction sites, from Halfrauds you should be OK. I tend to use the specialist online suppliers, for example https://www.powerbulbs.com/

[poldark 1,543]

Thanks for that Embee, just ordered Powerbulbs H4 twin pack (for the car) for £7.49 delivered, great value.