Motorcycle Repair: headlight, wattage bulbs, stock bulbs

Question
I have a 1993 Honda Shadow VT1100C. My question is the stock headlight is not as brite as I would like it to be. I purchased some bulbs H4 bulbs that are 12V 90/70W. These bulbs are gas filled halegon bulbs supposedly are to be brighter than stock bulbs. The stock bulbs are 60/55W bulbs. MY QUESTION IS WILL THESE HIGHER WATTAGE BULBS BE OK TO USE OR WILL IT DAMAGE MY BIKES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM?
Thanks in Advance,
Buddy,


Answer
The bike's electrical system (battery and alternator) can probably handle it, but the headlight housing and wiring may not. The brighter bulbs will create more heat and in a small space like the inside of the headlight housing, that could mean melted wires over time. If you ride with the 70W low beam on all the time the risk of damage will be low, but a 90W high beam could mean trouble if it is left on for too long.

Having said that, if you are determined on using these bulbs, you should pull the headlight out of the housing periodically to check if there is any damage caused by the increased heat. If the wiring or headlight plug start to show any discolouration or other signs of heat related damage, you should go back to the stock bulbs.

A more expensive but better way to increase your bike's illumination is to buy a spotlight bar. Two more small headlights will allow you to see more at night, as well as increase your visibility to other drivers during the day.