Modern Buddy

I recently got a part time job in the adjoining town (18mi away) and will be driving late at night. Last night was the first time I rode home and found the headlight to be a bit weak. I looked on the web for an upgrade but couldn't find anything. The Buddy 170 (according the owner's manual) is a 12V 35W/35W is this a fairly common bulb? Has anyone done a headlight uprade? and if so where did you get the headlight? Thanx .

The replacement bulb with the most bang-for-buck appears to be the PIAA HS1 GT-X. It's also a 35/35, but substantially brighter than stock. It runs around $35-40 online. I don't have one, but it's on my upgrade list.

This
topic4494.html
lists using a Sylvania Silverstar bulb. Which I believe is a 40/65 watt.

Yes, but you'll note at the end of the thread that the 55W SilverStar (anecdotally) drained the battery. Search for PIAA and read up on that bulb before deciding.

Also, make sure your headlight is aimed properly. Sometimes the dealer doesn't do this and the difference can be dramatic.

Instructions here.

thank you for the headlight uprades and the adjustment link. I think it might be of great help.

Absolutely get the PIAA HS1 Super Plasma GT-X. The difference compared to stock is like night and day... (rim shot) ... seriously though... it's one of the best mods you can make. Twice as bright and draws no extra juice from the bike.

+1

Put one on both of my Buddys.

Skootz Kabootz wrote:Absolutely get the PIAA HS1 Super Plasma GT-X. The difference compared to stock is like night and day... (rim shot) ... seriously though... it's one of the best mods you can make. Twice as bright and draws no extra juice from the bike.

If it's twice as bright as stock at 35W, is there a 18W version that's the same brightness as the stock headlight? I'd prefer to tax my stator and battery less than stock if I can.

As suggested to me I also made the headlight upgrade and what a huge improvement!

Anyone know if mounting a portable LED "flashlight" (not really like a conventional flashlight) somewhere on the scoot is effective as a second headlight of sorts?

A neighbor was showing me one she has mounted on her mountain bike and it shines brighter, whiter, and cast light further then the headlight on my Agility or the BJ

$15 at costco including mounting hardware, I believe.

I have been running a silver star for over a year now with no problems.

HowardR taped a LED flashlight to his 125 during his Iron Butt run, angled to shine on the shoulder to get a little early warning if some critter decided to cross the road.