Does anybody have a suggestion for an auto parts replacement for the 700NT OEM headlight bulb?
Replacement for OEM headlight bulb
- Thread starter Mark Palmer
- Start date
The NT uses a standard H7 halogen bulb commonly available at auto parts stores. The bulb is used in both the high and low positions. There are some brighter (read pricier) options if you are so inclined. Sylvania offers a Silverstar and Silverstar Ultra which provide a brighter color temp and higher lumen rating. The drawback to these bulbs is that the life is considerably shorter than the OE halogen. Sylvania also offers the H7 in an LED version which is much brighter and whiter than any of the incandescent varieties. The light from the LED's is impressive but they ain't cheap. A set of Sylvania LEDs will set you back almost $100 but they carry a lifetime warranty.
A note of caution on LED bulbs. If you look to Amazon and other online sources you will likely see a lot of lower cost LED options. The price may be tempting, but you will likely be disappointed in the beam pattern as the Chicom suppliers have made little or no effort to duplicate the beam pattern of the OE halogen bulb in their LED offerings. The Sylvania LED's on the other hand are carefully engineered and manufactured to duplicate the halogen beam pattern.
One final caveat should you consider going the LED route. As of right now, it is against Federal Law (DOT) to replace a halogen bulb with an LED equivalent in a vehicle that was DOT approved with halogens. That's why you will notice that Sylvania markets their LED's as "foglights". There is a considerable effort by the lighting industry to get this law revised to accept LEDs and I suspect it will be changed soon, but, in the meantime, ya' pays yer money and ya' takes yer chances.
Hope this helps!
Mike
OP
OP
Thanks Mike.
It's the lower bulb (high beam) that's out. It looks in the service manual that I need to remove the headlight to get to it. Is this correct?
No interest in the LED bulb, BTW.
Mark:
Either bulb "can" be replaced without removing the headlamp housing however the bottom bulb can be a real dickens. If your dexterity ain't what it used to be or if your hands look like small hams you are better off removing the headlamp housing. If you choose to do it without removing the housing remove the upper bulb to give yourself more maneuvering room. Have an assistant hold a flashlight and of course, you have to hold your tongue just right. In any event, by the time you are finished, your arm will look like you did battle with a ferret and your vocabulary will be well exercised.
Mike
Either bulb "can" be replaced without removing the headlamp housing however the bottom bulb can be a real dickens. If your dexterity ain't what it used to be or if your hands look like small hams you are better off removing the headlamp housing. If you choose to do it without removing the housing remove the upper bulb to give yourself more maneuvering room. Have an assistant hold a flashlight and of course, you have to hold your tongue just right. In any event, by the time you are finished, your arm will look like you did battle with a ferret and your vocabulary will be well exercised.
Mike
OP
OP
heh
The OSRAM Nightbreaker and the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra are one in the same bulb. On this side of the pond, Sylvania is a well known name as Sylvania was a US company until purchased by OSRAM some years ago. They decided to retain the Sylvania name for products sold in the US due to longstanding name recognition. Good bulbs!
Mike
OP
OP
Well, should anyone be interested, I got the bulb installed. I also left enough skin on the numerous protrusions involved to graft a burn victim. It's now 11:30 on Sunday morning and I'm having a beer.
A single beer is insufficient reward for your ordeal. A pre-ordeal beer to help yourself get psyched up for the challenge. A beer during the ordeal to keep you hydrated. A beer after the ordeal to help you unwind and then, of course, a celebratory beer to congratulate yourownself for a job well done!
Mike
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OP
OP
The good news is that the bike is ready to go. As soon as the weather breaks it will be plated and on the road. I'm pretty happy with it.
ST1100Y
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Humbug... ~2 minutes on my GF's NT (noted her low beam having failed in my rear-views), while waiting for a ferry in Norway...
They're quite exposed hence easier to access and replace then the H4 on my ST1100...
See to handle the bulbs on their metal base only, never touch the glass bulb though; the skin-grease can lead to temperature related cracking/imploding... (then you've a headlight assy filled with shards...)
A tissue, paper towel, cotton gloves...
I suggest "vibration resistant" bulbs with a more rigid filament/support...
Higher wattage means higher temperatures, which can lead to a melting/dull (plastic) reflector...
OP
OP
It was the lower bulb and it was tight work, but I got it replaced. The upper bulb is easy.Humbug... ~2 minutes on my GF's NT (noted her low beam having failed in my rear-views), while waiting for a ferry in Norway...
They're quite exposed hence easier to access and replace then the H4 on my ST1100...
See to handle the bulbs on their metal base only, never touch the glass bulb though; the skin-grease can lead to temperature related cracking/imploding... (then you've a headlight assy filled with shards...)
A tissue, paper towel, cotton gloves...
I suggest "vibration resistant" bulbs with a more rigid filament/support...
Higher wattage means higher temperatures, which can lead to a melting/dull (plastic) reflector...