Topic: Replacement headlight CB400/4

[pan404]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum, so please forgive me if this is posted in the wrong place or has been asked many times before. I'm trying to purchase a replacement (standard size) headlight bucket and lens for my 77 400/4.

They appear to be rather scarce!!    

It would be benificial if the light output was a little more up to modern standards (if the bike will cope) but that is not vital.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated

[dave500]

gday pan,have a look here,19 pounds for the shell,are they a 7 inch insert?if so just buy a car one so long as the depth is ok and run a 50/65 h4 globe.
http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB400F-SUPER-SPORT-1976-USA/

[pan404]

Thanks Dave, I appreciate the help

[400f newbie]

hi, the 400f unit is an oddball size, less than six and a half inch.a seven inch unit can be fitted but with difficulty'        altenator will not cope with standard h4 bulb unless other lighting load is reduced ie.led for instruments side and stop/tail lights.

[pan404]

Thanks for that. It is interesting that the alternator won't cope. I'd forgotten how close to the limit bike alternators were in the 70's.

I would prefer not to use a 7 inch headlight if possible. It's the bucket that needs replacing, but I thought it would be easier to replace the complete unit. Your right when you say its an oddball size

[Trevor from Warragul]

Buy the shell from David Silver & the headlight from:

http://store.candlepower.com/ca631quheleu.html

Trevor

[400f newbie]

i fitted a normal 7" headlight into the 400f shell but it was not easy,the 7" unit with h4 fitting can be picked up from most auto acc shops.  ray

[grcamna2]

Buy the shell from David Silver & the headlight from:

http://store.candlepower.com/ca631quheleu.html

Trevor

+1 on the Candlepower w/ the 45/45wt H4 bulb...a Huge improvement in the reflector and optics of the Lens;Since it is a Motorcycle Headlight,it has the correct lens for the Best light pattern...rather than installing an Automotive Lens.

[verslagen1]

A lot of the suzuki '80's GS series are 5 3/4" H4 lenses with steel buckets.
Not uncommon to find a bucket and lens that should bolt right up.

[faux fiddy]

I think some years of the 360 has a similar headlight that mounts on a bracket rather than on fork ears.

[Tim2005]

Buy the shell from David Silver & the headlight from:

http://store.candlepower.com/ca631quheleu.html

Trevor

Before buying that you ought to check it is MOT-legal, in terms of dip pattern and e-markings (maybe someone one here knows the latest MOT regs...). Also consider the import costs- I had something arrive from the US today that cost $19.  As it was so small it was exempt from duty. However, I still got a bill for VAT and for USPS/parcelforce's handling fee, a further $30, plus I have to drive (another $10 fuel) to the depot or there is a $15 delivery fee, all this being additional to the shipping I paid. No wonder the US trade deficit is so bad.

As for running a H4 60/55w bulb, I have done this on my 400 for years using a Cibie unit without any problems, I did used to remove some of the 5w instrument bulbs to make up for it but I have found that isn't necessary. Maybe it is only a problem if you do a lot of slow traffic work and no open road riding.



 

[dave500]

pan is in scotland,i dont think he will have any import worries.

[Tim2005]

That Candlepower site is based in the US so he'll have the same cost problems as I have (I'm in UK also).

[dave500]

sorry i was talking about david silver.

[Tim2005]

No worries