Topic: new headlamp help

[Bonesaw]

so i purchased this headlamp set on ebay a few days ago and it came today:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200701908498?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

opened the package, everything's fine, but on the inner box it says "USA customers: offroad use only" There's no DOT markings on it. It is still OK to use? It came from a store in Ohio. Doesn't say anything about being illegal to use in the auction listing, and there's no paperwork with the lamp that says illegal, but it says offroad use only on the box.

[RJYBlood]

Does it have a high beam?  DOT requires a hihg beam on road bikes and that could be why it is marked off road use only.  Just a thought..

[vames]

It's not DOT approved because the manufacturer didn't go through the DOT approval process. I run the same headlight.

Will it work just fine? Yes

Will a cop pull you over and demand proof that your headlight housing is DOT approved? Probably not.

You're gonna be fine.

[Bonesaw]

i'll have to hook it up and check for the high beam, but its supposed to be a direct oem replacement. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to explode on me while i'm riding or anything like that. Good to hear someone else has it though.

[luap]

cant you just replace the lamp itself with a dual filement bulb that way you have HI/LO an use the stock harness

[vames]

It's got an H4 reflector in it with an H4 bulb -- it most definitely has hi/lo, so that isn't a problem.

However, you should check the wattage of the H4 bulb that came installed in the reflector. I think mine came with a 65/55, which I felt was too big of a power draw for my 400f, and I ordered a 35/35 to put in it.

You should check to see what hi/low wattage combo is recommended for your bike and replace the bulb if needed. I hear Phillips Ecovision makes H4 bulbs that are way brighter than standard hallogen at lower power.

[Rgconner]

It's got an H4 reflector in it with an H4 bulb -- it most definitely has hi/lo, so that isn't a problem.

However, you should check the wattage of the H4 bulb that came installed in the reflector. I think mine came with a 65/55, which I felt was too big of a power draw for my 400f, and I ordered a 35/35 to put in it.

You should check to see what hi/low wattage combo is recommended for your bike and replace the bulb if needed. I hear Phillips Ecovision makes H4 bulbs that are way brighter than standard hallogen at lower power.

I put one in my Honda, other one went in the Vespa.

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-9003-EB-BP-TWIN/dp/B00318V0B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327593627&sr=8-1

It is the same candle power as a regular light, but uses 20% less wattage. This was confirmed by comparing voltage drop across the battery vrs a standard 65/55.
 

[Bodi]

You can not measure wattage or the percentage difference in wattage between two lamps by measuring battery voltage drop. You can tell one has a higher power draw but that's all. With a voltmeter and ammeter you can measure watts and from there get the filament's hot resistance, then calculate the percentage difference in load power at equal voltage.
The bulb referenced is described as a 60/50 Watt H4 type. It's also described as 128V, so I have doubts about the accuracy of the listing.
60/50 should be fine for a 500 and up, for a 350 or 400 you will likely have charging problems and should get a 35/35W H4 lamp.

[Rgconner]

You can not measure wattage or the percentage difference in wattage between two lamps by measuring battery voltage drop. You can tell one has a higher power draw but that's all. With a voltmeter and ammeter you can measure watts and from there get the filament's hot resistance, then calculate the percentage difference in load power at equal voltage.
The bulb referenced is described as a 60/50 Watt H4 type. It's also described as 128V, so I have doubts about the accuracy of the listing.
60/50 should be fine for a 500 and up, for a 350 or 400 you will likely have charging problems and should get a 35/35W H4 lamp.

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