Topic: Headlights!

[joegeis]

I would like to replace my fading original sealed headlight with something brighter and preferably with less power draw. I would like to get a good quality reflector and try both LED and halogen to decide what I prefer. Here is what I've found so far:
HELLA 002395031 Vision Plus 178mm H4 High/Low Beam Conversion Headlamp (Housing Only)
- I've heard great things about the quality, but I've also heard that these are designed for driving on the left side of the road, and will shine brightly into oncoming traffic, while not shining on the shoulder to the right. Is this true?
Philips 9003MVB1 MotoVision Motorcycle and Powersport Replacement Headlight Bulb - I've read this is the best halogen bulb. Will this fit in the Hella housing?
Superbright LEDs - I really don't like the blue white of LEDs on these vintage bikes. This particular light is "natural white" with some kind of yellow film you can apply? Seems gimicky, but its the warmest LED, good quality bulb I could find.

Any other recommendations? Am I on the right track?

[TwoTired]

Have you measured what voltage is actually arriving at the headlight connector with all the electrical loads including headlight engaged on the bike?  Whatever wattage bulb you put on there is going to have dimmer output when getting less than 12.5 v.

[dave500]

some of those white/blue bright things especially LED look good to look at but shine a sort of washed out thin light on the road at night,i never ride at night but use the headlight during the day,i have a bosch reflector and an osram silverstar h4 globe,itll shine street signs during the day,id say itll be ok at night if i had to ride it after dark.

[grcamna2]

I would like to replace my fading original sealed headlight with something brighter and preferably with less power draw. I would like to get a good quality reflector and try both LED and halogen to decide what I prefer. Here is what I've found so far:
HELLA 002395031 Vision Plus 178mm H4 High/Low Beam Conversion Headlamp (Housing Only)
- I've heard great things about the quality, but I've also heard that these are designed for driving on the left side of the road, and will shine brightly into oncoming traffic, while not shining on the shoulder to the right. Is this true?
Philips 9003MVB1 MotoVision Motorcycle and Powersport Replacement Headlight Bulb - I've read this is the best halogen bulb. Will this fit in the Hella housing?
Superbright LEDs - I really don't like the blue white of LEDs on these vintage bikes. This particular light is "natural white" with some kind of yellow film you can apply? Seems gimicky, but its the warmest LED, good quality bulb I could find.

Any other recommendations? Am I on the right track?

I like the Hella Halogen conversion reflector/headlight assembly,although(the one you linked to is for an automobile)you will need to find one that's compatible with a Honda CB550 headlight case and matches-up to your OEM plastic housing and your stock Honda Chrome Headlight Rim.
I think they make them,just not sure of a part#..

[Deltarider]

My CB500K2-ED came with the Hella. It's very good and as a bonus you have the little socket that can accomodate a Ba9s bulb. I've replaced the standard 4 Watts Ba9s by a 21 Watts. somewhat yellowish halogen for DRL which can be switched without the taillight and 4 instrument lights coming on. I have still the Philips Vision Plus in the headlamp which refuses to die, but I have the Philips Moto Extreme Vision ready.

[dave500]

because i dont ride at night ive removed the instrument globes,that frees up a little charging.

[bryanj]

On that Honda you can fit just about any 7 inch car headlamp BUT motorcycle headlamps tend to dip straight up and down whilst car ones have a "pattern" that cuts off a lot of light towards the other carriageway

[willbird]

My CB500K2-ED came with the Hella. It's very good and as a bonus you have the little socket that can accomodate a Ba9s bulb. I've replaced the standard 4 Watts Ba9s by a 21 Watts. somewhat yellowish halogen for DRL which can be switched without the taillight and 4 instrument lights coming on. I have still the Philips Vision Plus in the headlamp which refuses to die, but I have the Philips Moto Extreme Vision ready.

When I search the part number on the box in your picture I find this..........

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325646394600

[Deltarider]

Why Ebay? CMSNL: https://www.cmsnl.com/products/light-unithead_33120371611/ Bit pricey, buy the Hella, much cheaper.

[willbird]

Why Ebay? CMSNL: https://www.cmsnl.com/products/light-unithead_33120371611/ Bit pricey, buy the Hella, much cheaper.

That one pictured shows "Stanley" on it ? The Hella part number would be good info.

Bill

[fizzlebottom]

I replaced mine with this cheapo Amazon badboy and its been great. I have not yet hooked up the integrated turn signals, but might do that after this summer. The halo light is also unconnected and I really don't have any plan on using that.

Point is, unless you plan on sticking with a period-correct look then you have plenty of options. Just look for 7-in LED headlights on Amazon.

[joegeis]

I definitely want to stick with a period correct style/color as much as possible.

What I've found so far:
Uralne.com, which is specific to motorcycles and shows DOT in the image, though doesn't mention it in the description. Part number is "498x" which doesn't seem right.
Rallylights. This one has a part number 002395301.
HELLA 002395031 Vision Plus 178mm H4 High/Low Beam Conversion Headlamp (Housing Only)
HELLA 002395071 Hlmp 7" 165Mm H4/T4W 12V Ece, Multi

I've found some reviews that say the ECE Hella is made for left side riding and will blind oncoming traffic, but the DOT version is made for right side riding. But I can't find much clarity in part numbers.

edit I went ahead and purchased the one from Uralne that was clearly designed for motorcycles. I may have gotten away with one of the cheaper ones, but its still relatively cheap. I'll post a review once I get it.

[bryanj]

I think either hella was available for left or right hand, maybe the motorcycle specific would be better

[Deltarider]

My Hella 1A6 002 395-071 does not blind and I believe it spreads some extra light on the right shoulder, as should. Lens is asymetric. The Philips bulb also helps (see pic).

[grcamna2]

My Hella 1A6 002 395-071 does not blind and I belive it spreads some extra light on the right shoulder, as should.

Great part# !  There's one NOS for sale on Ebay right now for $20+ shipping.

[newday777]

My Hella 1A6 002 395-071 does not blind and I belive it spreads some extra light on the right shoulder, as should.

Do you ride on the right side of the road there?

[Deltarider]

Ofcourse we do. The left side of the road is not particularly good for your health, you know.
It's the same Hella reflector that were on early VW Golf (Rabbit?) models I believe. These reflectors are still widely available. The flat face lens gives your bike that classic look. For DRL I choose a yellowish light in the same reflector by using that extra Ba9s socket. BTW, contrary to popular belief you don't need brightness during the day. It just annoys oncomers. In Europe research has shown yellow is safer for bikers. Anything close to the light in the second pic is fine. In many countries locomotives have similar. For a reason...

[newday777]

Ofcourse we do. The left side of the road is not particularly good for your health, you know.
It's the same Hella reflector that were on early VW Golf (Rabbit?) models I believe. These reflectors are still widely available. The flat face lens gives your bike that classic look. For DRL I choose a yellowish light in the same reflector by using that extra Ba9s socket. BTW, contrary to popular belief you don't need brightness during the day. It just annoys oncomers. In Europe research has shown yellow is safer for bikers. Anything close to the light in the second pic is fine. In many countries locomotives have similar. For a reason...

I thought you were over in Europe

[dave500]

my bosch one has motorcycle written on it.

[70CB750]

my bosch one has motorcycle written on it.

I think thats what I have in Red.  Bosch with motorcycle specific H4.  In my experince the motorcycle bulb lasts longer than automotive in motorcycle headlight.

I don't think anybody mentioned relays yet.  Both low and high beams should be wired via relays to get more power in. 

My relays are from an old VW fuseblock, they are smaller than what you find in car parts store. 

[Tracksnblades1]

My old Hella is a flat face H4 conversion from 1982. Still works but it doesn’t seem near as bight as it did going from the old sealed beam….

[dave500]

H4 globes wear out as they age,try a new bulb,the filament burns away and doesent glow as bright.

[Deltarider]

[...] In my experince the motorcycle bulb lasts longer than automotive in motorcycle headlight.

Philips designed special bulbs for motorcycles which resist vibrations better than automotive. Philips used to be the biggest supplier for OEM bulbs so it may well be your Bosch is also a Philips.

I don't think anybody mentioned relays yet.  Both low and high beams should be wired via relays to get more power in. 

Here I disagree however. Relays are not needed in my experience, not for the ignition nor for the headlamp. Voltages rise high enough en route. They are even on the high side.

[bryanj]

You dont use relays for voltage but for the extra current used by halogen bulbs stretching the limit of standard wiring

[Tracksnblades1]

The best part of incorporating relays, regardless of the control voltage, is you take the current (ampacity) out of the control circuit. Sparing all the switches the high current loads…many manufacturers including automotive have moved to relays years ago…when is the last time you had to change a blower motor speed control switch..?