poor head light illumination on low beam

[yechave]

Having very little time on either the RT (2k miles total, few after dark), almost none on the LT riding at night, the LT low beam is terrible. I can see more of the road from the lights of oncoming traffic. The RT was much better, which also had the Motolights (which are being transferred to the LT next week). High beam is excellent. Is there a bulb upgrade, or is the low beam just lacking? Low beam was replaced about 10k miles ago, at least with what records I have for service.

Thanks in advance!

[Ajlelectronics]

Is there a bulb upgrade, or is the low beam just lacking?

Well it isn't very special. I made an improvement to mine by fitting an Osram Silverstar bulb. The beam also seems a bit yellow, so I wonder if a heavier power feed via a relay would give some benefit?

[Daman858]

Many have changed out to an HID headlight. This item has been particulary popular and there are directions with photos on this site to guide you to an easy install. http://www.cqlight.ca/product_info.php?products_id=69

You are correct that the low beam on LTs leaves a lot to be desired!!!

[katnapinn]

HID upgrade is the best way to go Just do a seach for HID and you'll find a bunch of info.

[rglassma]

Changed mine out with the Fashtec group buy at 75.00 and have never looked back.. Now trying to decide if I want to do the same with high beam..

[Lonewuff]

Did the HID low beam and couldn't believe the difference, so I did the high beam and it is even better. Best money I have spent on the bike I think.

[thillrh]

HID is out of my price range, so I added a set of Hella FF50s and WOW what a difference. Probably of greater value than the additional visibility for me is that other traffic is seeing me way better too!

Even with the Hellas, I find I'm still needing a good lighting solution for riding in the dark high up in the mountains. Just don't get enough light far out in front when leaned over in the corners.

[zippy_gg]

Be sure to order the H7 HID kit with a temperature range of 4200k to 5000k max (color. Anything above 5000k will start looking blueish and you will lose efficiency).

If you can attend a tech session locally I am sure a member can assist you with the install. Many of us can now do it in about an hour and a couple of cold beers...;)

HID for the low beam is THE way to go, anything else is a waste of time and money in my opinion as you will eventually end up with HID anyway.
Since you are also installing the Motolights on your LT you will the best of both worlds - visibility and conspicuity.:thumb:

[DavidTaylor]

HID is the way to go; I have low and high beams. Additional lighting is always a plus as well.

http://www.davidkari.com/Finished_Front.jpg

[patroa1]

HID is definitely the way to go. Check this thread http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22443&page=3&pp=10 post #29. You can probably still get an h-7 low beam kit for $75. Best money you will ever spend an easy to do the conversion. :)