Is there a simple improvement for stock K1100 headlight?

[voodooskin]

I think the stock K1100 headlight, while not horrible, is pretty marginal.  Or my eyes are getting marginal  :D

Is there a simple bulb replacement that might provide more/better light?  Else, assuming the way to improve this is to get a relay kit and a different bulb, any hints on what combo works well?  Reading up it seems like some of the really high power options are not recommended as a retrofit, relay or no, due to heat and focus issues.  I'm looking for something better if possible but will work in the stock headlight.

I've got a stock K1100LT, it's got the switch on the handlebar that turns the headlight on/off, although in Oregon by law I need to run with the light on all the time anyway.

Thansk y'all!  The days, they shorten.  Last week I had to ride in the dark back from the mountains and I have a horror of running into a deer, anything that would improve my reaction time would be welcome.

- Joe

[Chaos]

I think the stock bulb was a 60/55 H4.  Simple enough to plug in a 100/55 for a quick improvement.  I never had a problem with the higher wattage.  There are also super white or some such wonder bulbs but I have no experience with them.  Then there are millions of options and opinions if you want to add auxiliary lighting.  

[frankenduck]

DO NOT switch to a 100/55 without adding relays.  The stock wiring is not up to the task so you run the risk of melting the insulation off of the wiring and, since the headlight wiring isn't fused, burning up the wiring harness or, worst case, starting your bike on fire.

Just switching to a 60/55 Xenon (about $8/pair on Fleabay) from the stock Halogen will be a big improvement but you really should consider adding relays as it not only gets more voltage (which equals more light) to the headlight but also extends the longevity of your hi/lo switch.  And then you can run higher wattage Xenon bulbs which makes a very big difference.

[DRxBMW]

I think the stock K1100 headlight, while not horrible, is pretty marginal.  Or my eyes are getting marginal  :D
- Joe

I second adding dual relays, 30% brighter light from the get go. Roll your own or buy a plug & play kit from Eastern Beaver.

http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/H4_Kits/h4_kits.html

If you bump up in wattage without, you'll fry the switch or more, you have been warned. Hell, the OEM stock HL wiring is marginal running a 60/50 W bulb to begin with.

90& of the HL switches fail in under 50K of use, as the contacts melt into the plastic. Using a relay diverts the excessive voltage back into the HL. Plus, you get the added benefit of a fused circuit !

Osram Silver H4/9003 USA bulbs are a winner, cheap, $12.00, far superior to the OEM Bosch.  The Phillips Euro version clear bulb is even a better choice but extremely hard to source in the USA.

PIAA bulb currently in my K 75 whip. 100 W output 60 W draw, similar to Johnny's Jap cat eye's. Expensive but it was a freebie for wrenching on a K 100 last summer.

If your SERIOUS about night riding, aux lights are the answer. Pair of Trailtech HID's on the GS, friggin awesome lumen output. Small internal ballast, with a silicone cover your able to leave on 24/7 to protect the lens.

http://www.trailtech.net/lights.html