From: 	Bristol, Kirk (Exchange)[SMTP:KBristol@harman.com]

Tweek asked me yesterday what kind of high intensity bulbs I am using in
the tail light of my 800 Classic.  I thought you all might be interested
in this.  I've tried the Harley Davidson brand tail light bulbs because
they were cheap and the dealer swore that they were brighter than stock.
However, I was unimpressed with their brightness.

Custom Chrome makes a "Super Bulb" that is extremely good.  You'll need
two for the 800 Classic.  Now I'll warn you that these things get hot
and may melt your plastic tail light lens.  I think Joe Paradise had
some high intensity bulbs in the tail light of his 1500 Classic and said
at the River Run they were getting too hot.  However, I've run these
Super Bulbs in my bike since August of last year without any problems.
I've saved the package for the Super Bulb and here's what it says:

Custom Chrome #12-530
Double Filament 12 Volt Bulb
High Intensity Stop and Tail Light
Replaces 1034, 1157 Applications

I bought the ones I have from Competition Accessories for $4.95 each,
their part number #QU-H4-TAIL.  As with most Harley aftermarket parts,
these bulbs are made in Taiwan.

I also have been running a high intensity headlight bulb.  It's a
Universal brand tungsten halogen lamp.  It's a 90/130 bulb while stock
is 55/60, so it's roughly twice as bright.  You can also buy brighter
bulbs than this.  I got this bulb at Competition Accessories for $12.95,
their part number QU-H4-130/90.  I've been running this bulb since
August without any problems, except that the high beam filament recently
burned out.  I've been very pleased with the bulb though and plan on
 purchasing another when in Ohio next week.

Any way, you guys get the idea - see and be seen.  Installation of these
parts is very simple and straight forward and the cost is reasonable.
So, if you're concerned about safety, give this a thought.  One concern
though is battery drain.  I'm also running spotlights all of the time
and the high beam during the day and I've had no battery problems.  I
guess the 800s must just put out more juice than the 1500s since the big
guys have been know to have problems even running spotlights.  However,
I usually do long trips, so the battery has plenty of time to charge.
If you mostly do lots of short trips, these high intensity bulbs may be
a problem for you.

Cap'n Kirk
kbristol@harman.com
VROC#928