Topic: Bosch H4 conversion - done with pictures

[brandEn]

I was looking for a Tri-Bar H4 conversion but during my research I started reading up on the Bosch European Motorcycle conversion P/N 0 301 600 118. I just ordered one so we will see. Here is some great info. Apparently they like to use them in VW Bus'
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/BoschH4.html

[brandEn]

Just changed this thread from a tri-bar thread to a Bosch MC H4  thread...

[chickenman_26]

Just changed this thread from a tri-bar thread to a Bosch MC H4  thread...

If you're referring to the Bosch H4 reflectors that Candlepower is selling, they're great. I've installed four of them in various bikes. The beam pattern and coverage is outstanding.

Stu

[brandEn]

Just changed this thread from a tri-bar thread to a Bosch MC H4  thread...

If you're referring to the Bosch H4 reflectors that Candlepower is selling, they're great. I've installed four of them in various bikes. The beam pattern and coverage is outstanding.

Stu

Not sure, got any links?

[RAFster122s]

My experience with converting DOT sealed beams to European H4s in cars has been positive and much superior lighting.  Just don't overload your stator output with too high a wattage bulb or your Battery won't be happy with the lower charging levels.

[brandEn]

what do you consider to be a to high wattage bulb? I have some  Philips X-treme Power H4 12V 60/55W.

[RAFster122s]

I wouldn't want to go higher than 60/55W ...what's so special about those bulbs? That's a standard auto wattage ..
I used to run 80/100w h4s (Cibie glass lenses eurospec  H4s) in my cars. The better optics controlled the beam pattern with little scattering and sharp cutoffs on the beam pattern so it could be aimed below most people's side mirrors and not blind opposing traffic or someone in front of you.
You want to run relays and heavier wires for the headlamp. It makes a noticeable difference.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I took a look at my Candlepower unit that Stu mentions. While the $47.99 Candlepower unit I have been using for ~ 10 years is a great improvement it is different than the pictures in BrandEn's link show. My Candlepower unit has a CPi logo molded into the front center of the lens. It also has an arrow molded on the lens pointing to the right and it says motorcycle. Motorcycle specific manufacture. Without taking my headlight unit apart on my ALMOST completed restore I'm thinking I'm running the 60/55 bulb. And yes, my old electrical (NOS electricals now and ALMOST finished electrical system) system was taxed BUT in speaking with Dyna they feel that problem is mainly associated with my 3ohm coils. Of course, the bulb would further tax a weakened system. The 60/55 is a BIG improvement anyway. BrandEn if you decide to try a larger bulb please document before/afters with stock, H4 60/55 and H4 BMF.

[srbakker]

Anyone got a picture of how they plugged that Candlepower unit into the headlight ring?  I have one waiting in my basement but for the life of me, can't figure out how the tabs line up.   

[scottly]

I've been running a Bosch H4 conversion with a 55/60 watt bulb on my 750 since 1979.

[RAFster122s]

Will a sealed beam auto round lamp fit our bikes? I'm thinking the 6024 bulb if I recall the number correctly,  reason I ask is the Sylvania/Philips Xtravision model has the 55/60w bulb in an improved optics package that is like the Euro H4 but with a flat cutoff pattern (horizontally) without the "finger " of the pattern lighting the right shoulder for us Americans driving on the right side of the road. So it is a motorcycle and car friendly pattern if it works in the headlight bucket. Not quite as good as a real H4 with glass lens but nearly as good for about 12$.  FWIW

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Anyone got a picture of how they plugged that Candlepower unit into the headlight ring?  I have one waiting in my basement but for the life of me, can't figure out how the tabs line up.   

How/what do you mean?

[tweakin]

B,  I have been running this on the 915 for the past year, works great and I picked it up at baxters auto.

[bwaller]

I've been running a Bosch H4 conversion with a 55/60 watt bulb on my 750 since 1979.

+1. Step into the light. 

My wife rode a 400F for many years and honestly that small sealed beam was useless. She always rode behind so my 750 would light the way. When I finally finished her 550 I installed one in it and she was more excited about the headlight than the new ride. Do install relays and heavier +12V wire.

[RAFster122s]

You can install a LED compatible electronic flasher and convert to wide viewing angle LED bulbs and lower the turn and brake light load on the electrics and have brighter bulbs with modern LEDs.

[srbakker]

Anyone got a picture of how they plugged that Candlepower unit into the headlight ring?  I have one waiting in my basement but for the life of me, can't figure out how the tabs line up.   

How/what do you mean?

I'll try to snap a few pics tonight.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Good, I have a spare I can use for help.

[brandEn]

I drew this up. Does this look right? Almost seems to easy. Thanks for any comments on this.

[Tews19]

Anyone got a picture of how they plugged that Candlepower unit into the headlight ring?  I have one waiting in my basement but for the life of me, can't figure out how the tabs line up.   

It should be simple. Maybe you have the wrong headlight bulb?

[mrrch]

I think you will need 2 relays (one for each beam). I found a wiring diagram online and wired mine with 2 relays.

[Duke McDukiedook]

If you have a 55/60 bulb in there you should not really need relays for a 750, that is what is on there stock.

[brandEn]

Needed? No not really. But I want to get what I can out of my parts. Relay ads that for full h4 potential!

[mrrch]

The relays are more for taking the strain off of the old switch gear and old wiring.
Brighter output due to full power is a bonus.

[srbakker]

Anyone got a picture of how they plugged that Candlepower unit into the headlight ring?  I have one waiting in my basement but for the life of me, can't figure out how the tabs line up.   

It should be simple. Maybe you have the wrong headlight bulb?

Yeah, it turns out I'm an idiot.  Please disregard and sorry for the thread hijack.  I'll go bury my sorrows in beer.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

BrandEn, as always I'm a few steps behind you guys and I'll be watching. I've been running mine direct - no relay. My understanding WAS that the relay is a switch protector. The left side switch is not available from Honda (75/76F) so that may be a good idea if only for that reason.