Author Topic: Let's see those headlights! debating on size  (Read 9254 times)

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Offline dgilling

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Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« on: December 17, 2014, 09:39:04 PM »
I've been looking through photos like crazy but they don't always list the size so it's hard to judge which one I want.  I like bottom might styles to get rid of the ears, but I don't think i'm into the smaller headlights.  If you could be so kind to post pics of your headlights on the bike and let me know the size and style? Bates, buffalo, etc.... 5.75, 6.75, 7"??? I think something in the 6 range would be the best but seems like it's hard to get a bottom mount for that.  All is appreciated. 

Offline persson-johan@hotmail.com

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #1 on: December 18, 2014, 06:57:18 AM »
I used a bates 5 1/2" on my z650. Fits nicely I think!
http://thebikeshed.cc/2014/05/22/johans-z650/

Offline Schnell

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #2 on: December 18, 2014, 09:44:14 AM »
It's purely a matter of personal taste, but I think large headlights look cool on old bikes.

No picture, mine is stock.
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. --Lao Tsu

primary: 1974 Honda CB750
long term, now resting: 1981 BMW R100/7
project: 1971 Honda CL350
project: 1974 Honda CB450

previous:
1975 Honda CB750
1973 BMW R90/6
1981 Suzuki GS650
1973 Honda CD175

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Offline flybox1

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2014, 10:01:55 AM »
smaller is never better 8)
....especially when we have all that wiring to cram in there  ::)
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
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Offline PeWe

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #4 on: December 18, 2014, 02:32:51 PM »
Wiring and eventual LED H4 lamp that need additional space like this one I have ordered.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301375731172?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

My OEM lamp has today 3 relays too... I have to relocate them outside the lamp, still protected and not visible before LED goes in....
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Bailgang

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #5 on: December 18, 2014, 02:50:18 PM »
Just try not to go with too small of a dia headlight. The reason why is because a couple of years ago I was riding to work one morning before the sun was up and I was waiting for an opportunity to pass the car ahead of me. I saw a headlight in the oncoming lane and from my perspective it seemed like it was way down the road so I went ahead and proceeded to pass the car in front of me. Well that headlight that I thought was much farther down the road wasn't that far in fact it was bearing down on me pretty quick, it turned out to be another bike with a very small dia headlight but by the time I realized that I was already committed to passing the car in front of me. We both gave each other as much room as possible and I managed to pass the car and get back into my lane the moment me and the other bike passed each other. I have no doubt the rider on the other bike was pissed at me and he had good reason to be but I made up my mind right there that I was never going to mess with the size of the headlight on my bike.
Scott


71 cb350 twin
77 cb750 F2
83 gl1100 Interstate

Offline SohRon

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #6 on: December 18, 2014, 04:51:02 PM »
New information has indicated that two smaller headlights (5" or so) make you more visible to motorists than one large light will; it's one reason newer bikes are coming out with this configuration. Just FYI!  ;D
"He slipped back down the alley with some roly-poly little bat-faced girl..."

Assembling my '74 CB550: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86697.0
Assembly of the Right-hand Switch (a rebuilder's guide):  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80532.0
Installing stock 4X4 exhaust: CB500-CB550 K: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82323.0
CB550 Assembly Manual: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.0.html

Offline 70CB750

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2014, 12:10:14 AM »
smaller is never better 8)
....especially when we have all that wiring to cram in there  ::)

+1
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Offline dgilling

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2014, 09:52:47 PM »
Can you get a bigger headlight with a bottom mount? I'm just not a fan of the ears. Thanks for the replays.

Offline neevo

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2014, 12:04:30 AM »
7":



Offline bjbuchanan

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #11 on: December 22, 2014, 05:47:02 PM »
Looks like Schedule 40  ;D

Great, now all the damn hipsters are gonna make a plumbers call even more expensive
The dirty girl-1976 cb750k, Ebay 836, Tracy bodykit
Round top carbs w/ 38 pilots, middle needle position, airscrew 7/8ths out, 122 main jet
Stock airbox w/ drop in K&N, Hooker 4-1

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Offline dgilling

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #12 on: December 22, 2014, 06:56:23 PM »
Neevo what headlight bucket style is that?

Offline neevo

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2015, 06:00:53 PM »

Offline wowbagger

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #14 on: January 26, 2015, 12:28:12 PM »
smaller is never better 8)
....especially when we have all that wiring to cram in there  ::)

I went with a 6.5" off of an old superhawk. The bucket is nice and deep with extra room for the harness connections.

Offline Muckinfuss

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #15 on: January 27, 2015, 09:48:47 AM »
whatever size you get, I recommend a headlight modulator.  Anecdotal studies show that to be the safest presentation to oncoming traffic.  It's one that I buy into.
« Last Edit: January 27, 2015, 09:54:37 AM by Muckinfuss »
1984 Sportster 1000cc XL
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1974 CB550
1989 Corvette

Offline edwardmorris

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2015, 10:35:38 AM »
Related question: What options are out there for 750s to go with a clear lens instead of the stocker?

Offline Stilltime

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #17 on: January 27, 2015, 10:48:30 AM »
7" LED headlight on mine


'78 CB550 - Orange Crush

Offline KeithB

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #18 on: January 27, 2015, 11:01:24 AM »
Related question: What options are out there for 750s to go with a clear lens instead of the stocker?
The cut patterns lens, in combination with the bulb is what makes for a contolled beam pattern, particularly for the low beam.
The low beam on stock lights presents less light to oncoming vehicles and leaves a bit more on the shoulder of the road.
This can be seen best when directing headlights to a wall.
There might be clear lenses that do this as well but I havn't seen any...yet.
Nanahan Man

Offline heyitsrama

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #19 on: January 27, 2015, 11:07:17 AM »

7":



Love the exhaust, is that OEM?


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72' cb500
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Offline Mr Freeze

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #20 on: January 27, 2015, 01:29:56 PM »




A 5.75" Bates style on mine. I also modified my wiring harness a lot so that there isn't as much wiring in the headlight so maybe I'm not the best example.

Offline rocs

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #21 on: January 27, 2015, 06:24:37 PM »
7" LED headlight on mine



Hi, what kind is this and where can i get it.

Thanks,
1975 CB550k's

Offline Stilltime

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #22 on: January 28, 2015, 04:23:27 PM »

7" LED headlight on mine



Hi, what kind is this and where can i get it.

Thanks,

It's the Truck-Lite LED 7" you can find it on Amazon or eBay.
'78 CB550 - Orange Crush

Offline SOHC

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #23 on: January 28, 2015, 05:59:10 PM »
7" LED headlight on mine



How is the output, the reviews seem good on these, and i did some research to make sure they werent a fly-by night eBay seller.
These show they have a wider pattern, that a Halogen, just want a first hand experience with the light since they arent cheap.
Current:
1979 Honda CB650 (Hardtail Build)
1983 Suzuki GS850L (Fix and Minor Restore)
Old:
1989 Suzuki Katana 600
1978 Honda CB400T "Hawk"
1983 Honda VF750

Offline neevo

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Re: Let's see those headlights! debating on size
« Reply #24 on: January 29, 2015, 10:33:56 PM »


7":



Love the exhaust, is that OEM?


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1978 Honda CB550K

Fully sic custom job made from PVC to reduce weight.

Getting it ceramic coated too so it doesn't melt :D