Topic: Headlight question

[drag0n]

Has anyone converted their bike from the sealed beam to the H4 halogen i keep coming across those things on ebay and i have to admit i see fewer and fewer sealed beams for sale in convenient locations such as wal mart if anyone has done it what does this conversion require?

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I believe the headlight plug on these bikes are fairly standard, so physically speaking, if the glass will fit in the headlight bucket, then the plug too should work.  As these bikes have very little reserve electrical generation capacity, you don't want a bulb that will suck more juice then OEM, which is 55 watts, I believe.

[Raul CB750K1]

I bought a used H4 reflector a few years ago to replace the low power sealed beam. The lamp plug goes directly to the H4 lamp, no need to rewiring. Haven't had any charging or electrical issues. I think you can use any 180 mm H4 reflector. It's a little tricky to install because the headlight ring has another ring inside to provide for headlight orientation, but nothing to write home about.


There is one thing you will notice: the H4 glass is almost flat while the sealed beam is more curve, due to the physics of the vacuum inside.

[Gordon]

I've been running an H4 bulb and reflector from Dennis Kirk for about three years now on the 750K1 with no problems.  It makes a huge difference in visibility.

[mark]

I'm running an H6024 halogen sealed beam. No modifications, plenty bright, no charging issues, available just about everywhere.

Happy trails.



F&%# Walmart

[hymodyne]

I switch to a halogen H4 as well, but besure to get the right wattage (55-60) I bought a car bulb and nearly killed my battery

hym

[CB500_k2]

I am using H4 bulbs in both my CB500 and CB350.  The 500 came to me with the H4 conversion and It has worked well. I use a PIIA 60/55 watt bulb.  Since I installed 3 ohm coils I blew the 15 amp fuse when running the high beam and had to make a separate relayed and fused circuit for the coils.  All works fine and I do not have a charging problem.

I got a conversion reflector and 45/45 watt H4 bulb for my 350 from Candlepower for about $50.  This unit fit perfectly and works great.  The 350 has a 150 watt alternator vs the 200 watt unit on the 500.

[TwoTired]

The 350 has a 150 watt alternator vs the 200 watt unit on the 500.

Honda CB500/550 Shop manual pg 95.
AC Generator  output 150 W

The cb750 has 210 watts output.

If you keep the high watts headlight switched on, and use 3 ohm coils, you will have battery charging issues in city traffic when RPMS average below 2500 RPM. (assumes the rest of the stock electrical is present.)

Most 750s seem to tolerate this extra loading, judging from forum discussions.  But, average engine RPMs play an important role.

Cheers,

[CB500_k2]

TwoTired,

My old Honda shop manual for the CB500 says the the alternator output is .2KW at 5000 rpm (p.116). Your referenced values may be at lower rpm.  I certainly did not want to overstate my old machine's electrical output.   As I live in the country, my rev counter rarely sees much below 4000rpm so this may be why I don't have any charging problems. 

Tom

[medic09]

I'm another one using Halogen.  Have done it on all our old bikes, and it is a big improvement.  No problems over the last year and thousands of miles.

[GNXFan]

I have a Sylvania brand Halogen sealed beam on my K1 750 and it does drain my system. I rode it two weeks ago on a a 65 mile trip with the low beam on and when I stopped half way for a break my starter would barely turning over when I was ready to go again. I kick started it and it fired right up so turned off the lights for the final leg of the trip and when I checked it again upon arrival the system charged back up. The headlight was installed on my bike when I bought it and I believe it's just a car headlight. I have a new battery, NOS wiring harness and a NOS rectifier. I plan on re-installing the standard sealed beam.

[KB02]

I have a Sylvania brand Halogen sealed beam on my K1 750 and it does drain my system. I rode it two weeks ago on a a 65 mile trip with the low beam on and when I stopped half way for a break my starter would barely turning over when I was ready to go again. I kick started it and it fired right up so turned off the lights for the final leg of the trip and when I checked it again upon arrival the system charged back up. The headlight was installed on my bike when I bought it and I believe it's just a car headlight. I have a new battery, NOS wiring harness and a NOS rectifier. I plan on re-installing the standard sealed beam.

Or at least check the wattage on the light that is in there.

[Gordon]

I have a Sylvania brand Halogen sealed beam on my K1 750 and it does drain my system. I rode it two weeks ago on a a 65 mile trip with the low beam on and when I stopped half way for a break my starter would barely turning over when I was ready to go again. I kick started it and it fired right up so turned off the lights for the final leg of the trip and when I checked it again upon arrival the system charged back up. The headlight was installed on my bike when I bought it and I believe it's just a car headlight. I have a new battery, NOS wiring harness and a NOS rectifier. I plan on re-installing the standard sealed beam.

Or at least check the wattage on the light that is in there.

Agreed.  Your K1's charging system, if in good condition, should be able to handle even a slightly higher than stock wattage headlight.