animeher

I own a Calilber 115, and am constantly searching for yet another way to improve the headlight. I have already done quite a lot or load shedding, turned off all the AC lights so that all the current will go to headlight only. I have already removed the pilot lamp connection. I am currently using Osram Silverstar 60/55W with satisfactory results, but you know, more is never enough!

I have following questions related to improving headlight:

1. For load shedding, tail lamp light seems to be taking a lot of watts. It is rated at 5/21W. Can I replace it with some LEDs or some lesser wattage bulbs?

2. As caliber 115's battery is weak, it can't support HID. I don't want to go to the rewiring route, as there are too many risks involved. I was thinking of auxillary lamps, but I am not sure how much the 2.5Ah battery can take the direct connection of a 35W bulb, and for how long. I stumbled across the following links:

DealExtreme: $10.05 Mega 53-LED Bike Mount Light 3xAA
DealExtreme: $6.90 9-LED Bike Head Light (3xAA)

I am a weekend tourer, bit infrequent. I need the extra headlight only on a few days a month. So the above idea seems fit, that if we can get a removable headlight powered by rechargable cells, then it will be perfect!

I would request suggestions on this front. Also, if people are interested in buying the above stuff, we could combine orders, as we could save some money. The shipping is free on the above site. (and I am not at all related to it, just sharing the info).

Aryan

Query Approved.

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dcs

am about to visit the link. I might be interested...just wait for the Repost.

need4torque

What about coil rewinding and a higher Ah battery? And more importantly, which assembly are you running the silverstar bulb in?

animeher

Coil rewinding I am unable to find a good mech, and it costs around 1200.

Higher Ah battery, I inquired when I was changing mine, but many mechs said that firstly it won't fit. And even if you modify the box so as to accommodate bigger battery, it won't get fully charged as the coils are supposed to charge only 2.5Ah battery, not higher ones, so we are walking the same path of rewinding.

Lastly, I am running the silverstar bulb in stock assembly. I am aware that round headlight gives the best light, I am not sure about which brand to go for. Also, I would like to keep the looks as stock as possible, so changing the assembly is not exactly on the list.

I read Hitanshu's post on other forum where he showed the auxilary light attached to his bike's crash guard, connected directly to battery. As my battery won't support the auxillary lamp for long, I was actually searching for LED lights with rechargable cells, and the above mentioned sites have few of such lights.

If I am to go for auxilary light, how long will a 35W lamp be giving light if directly connected to a 2.5Ah battery?

ketan_r15

@ thread starter..
Can u tell me where did u buy the Osram 60/55 W bulbs..?

animeher

Finding Osram silverstar is very tough job. Don't even try at local bikewallas, mostly they will have no idea. I got the number of Pune Osram dealer from their site, called them up, went in their office at Pune camp and bought the bulb. This way, it will be bit cheaper too, as outside garages will surely take some premium over the cost.

That dealer said all Osram bulbs in Pune are sourced from him. IN fact, he was bit surprised to sell only one bulb! You will surely find such dealer in Mumbai. The cost is around 175.

dcs

went through the link you posted but to be very honest...I would prefer keeping that light in my bag pack than to mount it anywhere on the bike.
more over..I am going in for an OSRAM NIGHTBREAKER before I finally settle for an HID.

wait for my observation for an NIGHTBREAKER, though I have heard all good about that Halogen!

take care

animeher

Nightbreaker comes in pair, and costs above 1k. If I manage to find someone willing to spare rs.600 on a bulb alone, I may also go for it.

SKSy_Biker

Dont go for cluster LED setups. Those are a waste of money (atleast the ones that you can afford). The lumens output would be very low ans price performance ratio doesnt justify it.

An HID can run with a 7ah battery also if used judiciously. Thats the most sane way for you to upgrade now. Else you'd need to put in an extra battery or high intensity LEDs cluster (each 3W+). This would definetly be unique, but very expensive. A 1000lumen output setup would easily set you bach by 5k+ for which you could easily get your coil rewound and add an HID (+ extra battery :P ).