Author Topic: Headlight option? 76 550k (Read 5836 times)

Ryan66 · « **on:** February 17, 2012, 03:50:19 PM »

What are my options for headlights? I have a dead one. Whats needed to upgrade to a newer style. Isnt the stock one sealed?

Ryan66 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2012, 02:05:01 PM »

anybody?

cameron · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:11:37 PM »

what "newer style"? Bucket, or just the light?

There is A LOT of material on HID lighting kicking around here..., IIRC.

Ryan66 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:19:46 PM »

I searched and i came up empty. Not the bucket but the headlight itself. I think ive heard about upgrading to halogen?

Gordon · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:30:19 PM »

Search for "H4"

Duanob · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:32:51 PM »

I went with a 7" Bosch headlight lense and a 35/35w H4 bulb, works fine. if you do a lot of night riding you might want to with 55/60W bulb.

Ryan66 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:33:47 PM »

Your search query didn't return any matches. i put h4 and h4 headlight

Ryan66 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:34:58 PM »

Quote from: Duanob on February 22, 2012, 03:32:51 PM

I went with a 7" Bosch headlight lense and a 35/35w H4 bulb, works fine. if you do a lot of night riding you might want to with 55/60W bulb.

plug and play? isnt the stock headlight a sealed unit? i took the rings off but the glass itself and headlight seemed to be sealed

Gordon · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:40:05 PM »

Quote from: Ryan66 on February 22, 2012, 03:33:47 PM

Your search query didn't return any matches. i put h4 and h4 headlight

You have to search from the main page, otherwise you're just searching within this specific thread.

Ryan66 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:42:45 PM »

Hahha noooob!

cameron · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:50:45 PM »

Here are some relevant data:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=55032.msg591962#msg591962
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=56854.0

and
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=52615.0
for basic electrics sake.

Ryan66 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:57:09 PM »

God i need a wiring class. Talkin about relays and electrical draw. All chinese to me

cameron · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2012, 04:06:41 PM »

Maybe stick with stock for now then

Ryan66 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 22, 2012, 04:27:28 PM »

If it werent broke i would

TwoTired · « **Reply #14 on:** February 22, 2012, 04:39:06 PM »

Stock bulb is a 40/50W. More wattage with any lighting option will tax the alternator and reduce battery recharging efficiency. The stock alternator only makes 40-50 watts at idle speed. So, is is already depleting at stop lights. More wattage at the headlight will increase the deplete rate and decrease recharging rate when the engine is revved.

Good luck!

Duanob · « **Reply #15 on:** February 23, 2012, 09:42:07 AM »

Quote from: Ryan66 on February 22, 2012, 03:34:58 PM

Quote from: Duanob on February 22, 2012, 03:32:51 PM
I went with a 7" Bosch headlight lense and a 35/35w H4 bulb, works fine. if you do a lot of night riding you might want to with 55/60W bulb.
plug and play? isnt the stock headlight a sealed unit? i took the rings off but the glass itself and headlight seemed to be sealed

Yep plug and play. You can have more than one size bulb, takes about 5 minutes to pull one out and put the other one in. I got mine on ebay for pretty cheap compared to what some sellers think OEM headlight units are worth.

lens
://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Motorcycle-Bosch-H4-7-Inch-Round-Headlight-Lamp-/330553414464?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4cf684d340

bulb
://www.ebay.com/itm/Halogen-Lamp-Headlight-Bulb-12v-35-35w-Motorcycle-9001-H4-HB1-P43T-Scooter-GY6-/270819190431?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f0e14e69f

Also keep in mind that halogen lighting is brighter than incandescent lighting. There are studies online. I really believe my 35W H4 is whiter and brighter than the oem 40w light was to start with.

RFogelsong · « **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:37:35 AM »

Not sure exactly what you're thinking for "newer style" or exactly what you're wanting out of a newer one, but if you want to keep all the current running gear and just upgrade brightness I have a 55/65w headlight that fits our 550's which is an upgrade from the stock brightness of, I believe, 45/55w I'd sell ya. Definitely nice on those dark country roads.

Ryan66 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2012, 12:08:46 PM »

Quote from: RFogelsong on February 23, 2012, 11:37:35 AM

Not sure exactly what you're thinking for "newer style" or exactly what you're wanting out of a newer one, but if you want to keep all the current running gear and just upgrade brightness I have a 55/65w headlight that fits our 550's which is an upgrade from the stock brightness of, I believe, 45/55w I'd sell ya. Definitely nice on those dark country roads.

Doesnt have to be anyting special. Just a replacement for the stock broken one i have is all. How much?

RFogelsong · « **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2012, 12:13:54 PM »

Yeah, this is just a plug and play (same style and size) sealed bulb. My mistake on the wattages, I was over by 5 on all the numbers, stock is 40/50 my extra is 50/60. I'd like $45 for it total after shipping and everything is tagged on.

Ryan66 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 23, 2012, 01:19:06 PM »

Can i have a pic?

RFogelsong · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2012, 02:36:43 PM »

It's at my parents house right now and that's 100 miles away, I'm going home tomorrow and can send you a pic of it when I get there. It's new and never used (as I found out it was just a blown fuse, not the bulb, stupid PO). Pm me your email and I'll get it to you.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2012, 04:23:53 PM »

With all this talk about weak output and upgrading lights, does this also apply to the UK? We don't use daytime running lights here. I need more light....

TwoTired · « **Reply #22 on:** February 23, 2012, 05:37:27 PM »

I don't believe the alternators for UK bikes were any different than the US/NA models. Being able to switch off the headlight will certainly help with battery recharging when lighting is off.

I don't know what standard bulb wattage is for your bike since you didn't tell us what you have or what model/year bike you have.

You should measure what voltage is getting to your headlight compared to what is at the battery. Aged/worn connectors, switches and fuse terminals can all lose some voltage. And, if the headlight doesn't get full battery voltage it will be weaker than is should be, and "upgrading" to a higher wattage headlight will only create more voltage loss through those same connectors, switches and fuse terminals.

FYI: the watt ratings on the bulbs are when 12.8 V are applied to them. More voltage = brighter, less voltage = dimmer.

I'm pretty sure that electricity adheres to the same electrical and physical laws we have in the US.

Cheers,

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #23 on:** February 23, 2012, 05:42:42 PM »

It's a 550f. I was wondering as we don't have running lights would there be less of a load on the alternator letting us use higher wattage bulbs. Bear in mind headlight only running at night.

mjstone · « **Reply #24 on:** February 23, 2012, 06:07:19 PM »

Ryan66, just go to Autozone or what ever and spend $15 on a sealed beam 7" halogen headlight. It won't have a "motorcycle" light pattern, but will work well. I bought the cheapest Sylvania Halogen and it fit perfectly. I think the low beam is 35 watts.

MJ

TwoTired · « **Reply #25 on:** February 23, 2012, 06:10:45 PM »

Are you trying to be funny? Seems obvious that any headlight would use power only when it is on. If you increase the wattage, it will use more power when it is on and none when it is off, same as a lower wattage headlight would. Or, are you talking about the front marker lights as running lights? If so, that would save you 16 watts.

According to the Honda shop manual I have, the UK and European F2s have a 45/40 headlight in stock form.

The alternator makes max power based on RPM (given a good well charged battery and low loss wiring) with a peak of 150 Watts at 5000 RPM and about 1/3 of that during idle.

The bike typically uses about 120 watts total with the key switch and lighting on. Tally up the watt ratings for the lights you turn off and you have a watt usage rating for the bike when just the key switch is on. The brake light, ignition, and alternator still use power whenever the key switch is on.

I'm wondering if we have an English translation problem?

Cheers,

Rgconner · « **Reply #26 on:** February 23, 2012, 10:37:36 PM »

I really like these if you are going to use the H4 socket:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-9003-EcoVision-Headlight-Bulb/product-reviews/B00480KPDA

20% less draw, which puts it back in the stock range but with the increase output of a 55/65w bulb.

Comes in a two pack... one went in the Vespa.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #27 on:** February 24, 2012, 03:31:27 AM »

My mistake. I was thinking daylight riding lights in the US was headlight. If the headlight was only used for an hour or so each ride could I get away with more wattage.

I'm good at talking but not writing.

vames · « **Reply #28 on:** February 24, 2012, 04:02:11 AM »

Quote from: mjstone on February 23, 2012, 06:07:19 PM

Ryan66, just go to Autozone or what ever and spend $15 on a sealed beam 7" halogen headlight. It won't have a "motorcycle" light pattern, but will work well. I bought the cheapest Sylvania Halogen and it fit perfectly. I think the low beam is 35 watts.

MJ

+1 -- you're way overthinking this. If you want to replace the bulb cheaply, just bring the old bulb into an auto parts store and ask for the cheapest replacement, which will be somewhere between $10 and $15. If you want to upgrade, go to candlepower.com and order an H4 reflector and the bulb of your choice (the reflector will last forever and you'll only need to change bulbs in the future). Both of those choices are essentially plug and play with the existing wiring setup. If you want to get really bright and fancy and splice wires, go with an HID setup.

chickenman_26 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 24, 2012, 06:57:48 AM »

Here is absolutely the best deal on a 7" motorcycle halogen headlamp.
http://store.candlepower.com/fco7h4mohebd.html
I've bought two of these already - one for a '77 750A and the other is in my '71 500K. I used the 45/45 watt H4 in the 500. The beam pattern and brightness is outstanding.

As to charging, the charging system of the 500/550 is more capable than some might think, but wiring or component problems in the system can reduce output or increase the rpm where sufficient output is available. I had the opposite problem. I made the mistake of installing 3-ohm dyna coils along with the halogen lamp in the 500, and the voltage at more than 5000 rpm peaked at 13.8. The weird thing was that when I decelerated below 4000 rpm, the voltage climbed rapidly to 14.8. Yes, that's too high. But it showed that the system did have the ability. No amount of regulator adjustment provided satisfactory results. So I installed an electronic regulator from Oregon Motorcycle Parts. Now, the voltage is 14.2 and steady at any rpm above 2500. I tried the adjustment pot on the regulator and was able to get it to charge at 14.8 if I dialed it all the way up. I brought it back down to 14.2. Note that if there's a significant voltage drop between battery + and the black wire at the regulator, the bike can actually over charge.

Stu

Deltarider · « **Reply #30 on:** February 24, 2012, 07:16:06 AM »

Quote

Here is absolutely the best deal on a 7" motorcycle halogen headlamp.
http://store.candlepower.com/fco7h4mohebd.html

Chickenman, that price is unbeatable.

Quote

I really like these if you are going to use the H4 socket:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-9003-EcoVision-Headlight-Bulb/product-reviews/B00480KPDA

20% less draw, which puts it back in the stock range but with the increase output of a 55/65w bulb.

Philips doesn't cease to amaze me. They're the winner in every test. Recently they tested best again now for beautiful designed ledlights for pedal bikes. Both front and rear! http://www.bike24.com/p214244.html
For most bulbs Philips offers you the choice: either 20% more light or 20% less draw. I'm satisfied with my actual Philips Visionplus, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy their X-treme Power H4 version. Never had charging probs with my 500 that came standard with 55/60W by the way.
Philips is the most innovative. Be it more expensive, they're the best.

nomad · « **Reply #31 on:** February 24, 2012, 07:22:46 AM »

Quote from: chickenman_26 on February 24, 2012, 06:57:48 AM

Here is absolutely the best deal on a 7" motorcycle halogen headlamp.
http://store.candlepower.com/fco7h4mohebd.html
I've bought two of these already - one for a '77 750A and the other is in my '71 500K. I used the 45/45 watt H4 in the 500. The beam pattern and brightness is outstanding.

Thanks for the lead... I just ordered two of them!

chickenman_26 · « **Reply #32 on:** February 24, 2012, 07:49:18 AM »

After I saw free shipping on 2, I did the same. Screamin' deal. Besides, you can never tell when another needy old bike will follow me home...

Duanob · « **Reply #33 on:** February 24, 2012, 12:43:13 PM »

Quote from: Rgconner on February 23, 2012, 10:37:36 PM

I really like these if you are going to use the H4 socket:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-9003-EcoVision-Headlight-Bulb/product-reviews/B00480KPDA

20% less draw, which puts it back in the stock range but with the increase output of a 55/65w bulb.

Comes in a two pack... one went in the Vespa.

OK who's review is that for the 1975 CB550?

TwoTired · « **Reply #34 on:** February 24, 2012, 01:30:01 PM »

Quote from: LesterPiglet on February 24, 2012, 03:31:27 AM

My mistake. I was thinking daylight riding lights in the US was headlight. If the headlight was only used for an hour or so each ride could I get away with more wattage.

Some states require the headlight on while riding. Some bikes have a lighting switch and others don't. All the F bikes don't if stock.

You know you can't really bargain with physics, it is what it is.

Depending on how you ride, yes you can get away with more wattage.

Think of your battery as a bucket with a hole in it. Whenever the key is on the hole is exposed and the bucket starts draining.

The alternator pours water back into the bucket, trying to keep it full. But, at low RPM the water going to the bucket is less than what is coming out the hole.
When the alternator CAN put more water in the bucket than is draining out it can fill the bucket to overflowing. The regulator keeps the bucket from overflowing during these times by reducing alternator capability.

A higher wattage headlight is like putting a larger hole in the bucket. At low RPM the bucket will drain faster than before. And when revved, the bucket fills more slowly, and takes longer to get full.

If you keep the engine revving always, the battery will stay full, provided you haven't totally exceed what the alternator can provide in best case with a huge headlight load.

Certainly when the headlight is off, the charging system can maintain a full battery. Whether, it can while the headlight is on depends on the riding regime and the extra load introduced.

If I knew what percentage of your headlight on regime was at 5000 RPM, I could estimate. But, if you ride home at night and spend too little time above 3000 RPM with a big wattage headlight, the battery may not be fully charged at shutdown.

Hope this helps,

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #35 on:** February 24, 2012, 02:06:02 PM »

Thanks TT, that explains a lot. I can't imagine being under 3k often so I'll look for something more powerful.

Rgconner · « **Reply #36 on:** February 24, 2012, 03:38:13 PM »

Quote from: Duanob on February 24, 2012, 12:43:13 PM

Quote from: Rgconner on February 23, 2012, 10:37:36 PM
I really like these if you are going to use the H4 socket:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-9003-EcoVision-Headlight-Bulb/product-reviews/B00480KPDA

20% less draw, which puts it back in the stock range but with the increase output of a 55/65w bulb.

Comes in a two pack... one went in the Vespa.

OK who's review is that for the 1975 CB550?

We will see if they remove it again. Some idiot got the original removed because it was "not the recommended application".

News:

Author Topic: Headlight option? 76 550k (Read 5836 times)

nomad