Maximum Bulb Power
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Please can you post items for sale or wanted in the correct For Sale section. Items / bikes for sale here will be removed without warning. Reasons for this are in the FAQ. Thanks
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- Settled in member
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- Bike owned: NC23
- Location: Hampshire
Maximum Bulb Power
Hi again everyone,
my NC23 has the headlight relay mod, so in theory it can take any power bulb.
I was looking at a set of H4 rally type bulbs, that go anywhere from 60 to 160 watts, I'm not worried about the legality of such a bulb on UK roads, however, am I likely to melt or break something if running bulbs like these?
Thanks, Tom

my NC23 has the headlight relay mod, so in theory it can take any power bulb.
I was looking at a set of H4 rally type bulbs, that go anywhere from 60 to 160 watts, I'm not worried about the legality of such a bulb on UK roads, however, am I likely to melt or break something if running bulbs like these?
Thanks, Tom

- Davez29
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Re: Maximum Bulb Power
Not an expert but i would wonder if the alternator and wiring would be upto it over 60w. My own bike manages ok on philips extreme which are the uk standard wattage.
- thunderace
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Re: Maximum Bulb Power
Apart from the legality, no chance. Even with the relay mod the electrical system wouldn't cope with double the current draw. As Durka suggests, the alternator would fry in no time.NOW wrote:I was looking at a set of H4 rally type bulbs, that go anywhere from 60 to 160 watts,
Conventional wisdom says to know your limits. To know your limits you need to find them first. Finding your limits generally involves getting in over your head and hoping you live long enough to benefit from the experience. That's the fun part.
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Re: Maximum Bulb Power
I have 90/100w x 2 bulbs with relay mods in my nc29 for 8+ years. Owned the bike for over 13yrs now.
LAST YEAR I had to replace the generator which had burnt out.
Yes even the 90/100w bulbs are illegal for road use.
LAST YEAR I had to replace the generator which had burnt out.
Yes even the 90/100w bulbs are illegal for road use.
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- Location: Hampshire
Re: Maximum Bulb Power
thanks for the replies, looks like 'performance' 55w bulbs are the way to go. I'm looking at philips extreme vision, osram night racers and breakers. Can anyone rate these?
- jim157
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Re: Maximum Bulb Power
They're both decent and an improvement over standard. Just buy the cheapest ones.NOW wrote:thanks for the replies, looks like 'performance' 55w bulbs are the way to go. I'm looking at philips extreme vision, osram night racers and breakers. Can anyone rate these?
AUTOEXEC.TWAT
- thunderace
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Re: Maximum Bulb Power
LoIME the Philips bulbs last longer and give better light than the osram 

Conventional wisdom says to know your limits. To know your limits you need to find them first. Finding your limits generally involves getting in over your head and hoping you live long enough to benefit from the experience. That's the fun part.
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- Settled in member
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- Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2012 7:58 pm
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- Location: Hampshire
Re: Maximum Bulb Power
went for the Osram's in the end, they came it at £11 when the Philips where more like £25.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Re: Maximum Bulb Power
I have now got my baby up and running and all road legal
I must say I'm highly delighted so far
I have bought some Osram Night Breaker bulbs (not arrived yet) but I was wondering who else has fitted these
And does anyone know the difference between the "Breakers" and the "Racers" apart from the price
I'd appreciate any feedback/comments
I'll post my findings when I've tried my "Breakers" out
Em
PS LOVE the new look site guys

I must say I'm highly delighted so far

I have bought some Osram Night Breaker bulbs (not arrived yet) but I was wondering who else has fitted these

And does anyone know the difference between the "Breakers" and the "Racers" apart from the price

I'd appreciate any feedback/comments

I'll post my findings when I've tried my "Breakers" out

Em

PS LOVE the new look site guys

- bikemonkey
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Re: Maximum Bulb Power
I have just put Osram nightbreaker plus bulbs in my NC30, they're fantastic.
Nice spread of beam and lovely bright white light
Nice spread of beam and lovely bright white light
