05 Sprint ST Headlights

[K2D2]

I tried posting at triumphrat.net, but I didn't get help that I was looking for.  I'm trying to avoid the dealerships because to be honest, the only good one is in New Haven.

Link to the post.  http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewtopic&topic=85255&forum=20

"The headlights suck at night... I have gotten used to the red and blue flashing and people pulling over but now I need to see how to fix it.

Last night on my way home from work I'm riding on some decent back roads having a good time, no cars, nothing in my way from me and my house. Except, I came upon a couple of Hardly Riders. I was keeping my distance because I'm not part of their pack and I know my lights are tricky. Well with that said, they still pull over. I'm like ok, you guys are dorks and drove by, slowly, gave them a friendly wave and continued on my way. They sped up and were riding with me as the leader of the pack as we came to a stop light. They boxed me in and started with their profanity and carrying on like a bunch of jerks. I had my foot on the kickstand because I honestly thought they were going to kick my ass. I apologized for my headlights and that's all I could do. They continued to badger me saying that I had special lights on the bike and how much of a rice burner it was...

Does any one know of anything to do that can diffuse the red and blue beams at the cut off line? I was thinking of popping in some "SilverStars" or similar light bulbs, but didn't know if that would help or not. I know there was a post on here a while ago about it, but for the life of me I can't find it in the search. I also don't think there was a remedy for it there."

[DigST]

K2, on the triumph rat site they primarily recommend the Osram Silverstars (not to be confused w/ the Sylvania) as the best upgrade for the buck, then of course there are those who have done the full HID conversion. Hope this helps

[Clive]

You can try different bulbs.  I don't have that problem, but I've swapped out the stock bulbs for Silverstars.

The reflector itself is another culprit, as it diffracts the light at the edge.  You need to aim the low-beams higher, so the cutoff isn't so close to oncoming traffic's eyes.

[DNA]

I just ordered a pair of H4 Osrams from here today for my '03 ST.  I got a pair a year ago and need to replace a bulb.
http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/
Service is quick and the price is right.  You might need H7's though - not sure on the '05 ST.
If it works - it's a $20 easy fix.  Good place to start, and better than a beat down.

[Capirex]

Damn that's the best Sprint headlight story I've heard yet.    Usually HD guys will show a little respect for Triumph.  
I have had people in front of me pull over or hit their brakes, but nothing like that.  
I wish I had something for you.  Most of my night riding is in well lit areas.  I did get caught out once on a dark windy back between NC and GA and it was miserable.  I ended up just following a truck.  

[K2D2]

Thanks everyone.  I think I'm going to try those bulbs.  Silvannia's aren't teh silverstars you guys are talking about?  I had those in my Jeep and Loved them!

[TheRedOnesAreFaster]

You should have told them that you were flashing your lights to let them know their exhausts were too load.

I don't think changing the bulbs is going to help you much.  I put in some PIAA super whites (or something to that effect) and I still get the "cop effect".

I think it stems from the lack of a diffuser on the headlight lens, like the series of vertical lines on your car headlights.  That's just my guess, though.  You'll probably have the same effect with whatever bulb you use.

[CMS_Sprint]

I have installed the Osrams in the low-beams and have a new HID kit for the high beam that I'm going to be putting in soon. I'll post some shots when it's all done.

I agree that the cutoff has got some color to it, but I've not been given any static by the HD crowd, and lord knows there's enough of them down here!

Details as I have them....

[K2D2]

I yucked it up and went to the dealer in Hartford this morning on my way to work.   I forgot they stole the Service manager from Canton Cycles.  We don't get along and he pretty much called me a liar again and he has never heard of this.  The mechanic I was talking to in the showroom suggested different bulbs too, so maybe I'll give that a shot, adjust the low beams to be a little higher and just ride.

CMS_Sprint I look forward to seeing how it turns out for you.  Maybe thats something I will try.

Eddie