Topic: New bulbs

[XsTatiC]

I was going over my new bike last night ( new to me... CB350F... pics here: http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=23145.0 ) and realized how incredibly dull the lights are on it. 

My plan was to always replace the brake and blinker bulbs with LEDs.  It just makes sense for safety reasons imo as it makes you more noticable on the road. 

One thing I didn't realize before last night though was how crappy the headlight is.  Has anyone upgraded to PIAA's or Halogen?  If so, is it just a matter of switching bulbs?  The wattages seem low so I don't imagine there would be any strain on the battery or anything. 

Thanks,

Gerry

[super pasty white guy]

Sure.  This has come up a few times.  I went with a Autopal H4 conversion off of ebay and I've had no issues with it at all.  It's brighter, a drop in replacement and replacement bulbs are available nearly everywhere.  You will consume more power with one of these, so while you're at it you might want to replace at least the tail and instrument lights with LEDs and take some time to clean up every connection on the bike to minimze those losses.

dave

[XsTatiC]

@Dave

Thanks for the reply.  After I posted ( doh! ) I realized that there was quite a bit on here about halogen.  Hardly anything on PIAA's though.  Would be interested to hear any tales/thoughts on them. 

As for the LEDs, it'll be a pain, but I personally think it'll be worth it. 

I may take on the task of redoing the fuses as well as is posted here:  http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=20035.0   Looks clean/easier to maintain.

[super pasty white guy]

Try www.superbrightleds.com where you can pick up everything easy.  I haven't done the blinkers yet, but the 3w Luxeon tail light replacement is worth it just for the brightness.  The idiot lights and gauge lights are great and a simple replacement-  get the 4 led versions and the idiots will be blaring bright (especially in lower light/night) and you'll have plenty of light in the instruments.  I'm really wishing that someone will do the 3w luxeon as a right angle turnsignal, but haven't yet found those on the market.

dave

[333]

Try :  http://www.autolumination.com/  .  They seem to have almost too many options.  Also, the best way to make the turnsignals flash is to go with a flasher like a EP34 automotive style, instead of using resistors to make your standard flasher unit function.  Using resistors will also negate any current savings

[csendker]

If you change the blinkers, make sure you change the flasher unit.  These bikes have mechanical flashers and the LED's don't draw enough to trigger it.  Also, the generator on the 550 is marginal compared to the load (don't know what you're riding...).  The whole system is at a negative power draw until you hit 2K RPM or so (that's why you NEED the battery).  Changing to an H4 will tax it somewhat, but likely offset by the other lamps.  You may want to clean all those little bullet connectors to reduce the overall resistance of the wiring harness.  There's lots of discussion regarding a swap to LED's with replacement flasher unit recommendations, instrument light thoughts (idiot = yes, LED & instrument = no LED).  BTW, I'm running an H4 headlight, LED taillight, LED idiot lights & standard lamps elswhere.

[XsTatiC]

@Dave & 333:  Thanks for the links.  Mind boggling selections... and combined with Custom Dynamics it's making my head spin a bit.

@csendker:  Yeah, I had read about the flasher unit and the benefit over a load balancer.  Good to know.  I have a 350F btw.  I'm unsure about the idiot lights as of right now.  From the pics I've seen they look great in the day but may be too bright at night for my personal liking. 

Cheers,

Gerry

[csendker]

350F...just like you mentioned in the original post...hmmmmm...maybe too much beer tonight.

look here --> http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=7931.msg72448#msg72448