Harley-Davidson® Headlight Replacement
Bob LaRosaDescription
Larry asked us via Facebook about using an automotive headlight bulb in his Harley-Davidson. Bob had a chance at our video shoot to answer the question.
Related Video: Headlight and Passing Lamp Alignment
Larry recently asked us on Facebook, if an automotive High 4 headlamp bulb would work in his motorcycle. Well, Larry, as far as I'm concerned, bulbs themselves do not know what vehicle they're put in. They do know if they're fed DC voltage or AC voltage. They do know the type of plug configuration that they need. They do know the type of tabs that actually lock the bulb into the headlamp receptacle. On this particular motorcycle, it is a one bulb works as a high and a low beam function. A lot of automotive bulbs are strictly high or low beam. So you want to make sure when you purchase a replacement bulb, not only is it a dual purpose bulb, high and low beam, but that it doesn't have a particular type of reflector over the envelope or the glass portion of the bulb that reflects the light downwards towards the road. A lot of automobiles being set up higher off the ground or having a different type of reflector mechanism in the headlight, also carry a reflective material on the bulb. So if you find the automotive style bulb that you've used directs light more to the ground than you prefer, and you can't get that type of adjustment out of your headlamp housing, I would strongly recommend purchasing a motorcycle specific headlamp bulb. But bulbs themselves don't know if they're in a camper, a motorcycle, or an automobile.
WHY ARE YOU YELLING? ( You no longer need to apply for the Incredible Hulk acting position ) If Larry doesn't know what bulbs fit in what vehicle, then Larry should go back to his tricycle and girlie streamers! We are Men aren't we? we talk H1, H3, H4 type globes, We talk HID and LED and we "Don't " touch normal globes with our fingers do we now? Come on FMH.. I've just fitted Harley Day Lights to my first hog, get with the times!
Larry, bulbs don't "know" anything.. they are inanimate objects, and please stop yelling at the camera.. its annoying.
Good info. Thanks !
Thank you for the information.I did find out the "Automotive" bulb I put in did indead put the beam to the ground.Larry Eidell