Topic: Headlight Relays

[troppo]

G`day guys
Now before anyone decides to shoot me down for asking, i have done a search and have downloaded the relevant PDF but have not found an answer.
I have a 76 F1 750.

The idiots on the roads here make me want to be seen, so i want to run with my headlights on all the time, i know it doesnt make a great difference but any difference is good.
I have read here that the bikes dont really charge too well at lower revs.
How much of a drain on my battery will it be doing this?
Is there a cheap and simple way to improve the charging system?
I really want to go with a halogen headlight so there will be a larger constant drain on the battery.
If i have missed a post please point me to it, if you have a good idea or know what to do please tell me, if you just want to shoot me down please ignore this post.
Cheers guys
Troppo

[Steve F]

G`day guys
Now before anyone decides to shoot me down for asking, i have done a search and have downloaded the relevant PDF but have not found an answer.
I have a 76 F1 750.

The idiots on the roads here make me want to be seen, so i want to run with my headlights on all the time, i know it doesnt make a great difference but any difference is good.
I have read here that the bikes dont really charge too well at lower revs.
How much of a drain on my battery will it be doing this?
Is there a cheap and simple way to improve the charging system?
I really want to go with a halogen headlight so there will be a larger constant drain on the battery.
If i have missed a post please point me to it, if you have a good idea or know what to do please tell me, if you just want to shoot me down please ignore this post.
Cheers guys
Troppo

I have two of the same bike you have, and am running halogen on both with no issues.  The bikes in the U.S. have the headlight on all the time anyway (there's no switch to turn it off).  You should be fine with the headlight on all the time too, unless you're idleing for too long of a time, then you could have an issue with charging.  I have also installed relays on the yellow bike to improve the voltage situation at the headlight, and that alone was a significant plus!  You should consider this too.  I'm not sure about the bikes sold in OZ, but they too should have the same starter switch, which supplies the headlight power, and turns off the headlight while the starter is cranking, release the button, and the headlight comes back on. 

[troppo]

thanks for that steve
thats exactly what i wanted to hear, i`ve got a couple of relays laying around and the wiring isnt a problem i was just worried about the charging issues as half of my ride to work is city type traffic, i didnt want to have the problems with the bike dying like i`ve read here before
cheers mate
troppo

[andy750]

Troppo,
As Steve mentioned plenty of us ride with halogen lights and dsoent even need rewiring (though this would be optimal). I am running a halogen headlight on all the time on a stock CB750K2 (no relays). Sit in traffic all the time and no issues. If its 90+F then you might want to turn it off, along with the rest of the bike if an extended period of time.

good luck
Andy

[troppo]

now this is what i`m talking about...
the knowledge and experience in her is one hell of a teaching tool for us newbies to the CB`s.
Thanks andy for that, it gets hot here and iknow the aircooled bikes dont like it
cheers
troppo

[eldar]

Yeah I have always had a halogen on my bike as long as I can remember. The 750s are not so constrained by charging issues like the smaller bikes are. If it is a concern though, replace the mechanical flasher and put in some led turn signals and tail light and gauge lights. That will save you the difference.

[troppo]

I didnt realise the 750`s had a slightly better charging system, but i may do what you suggest with the lights, they are a little brighter and my morning comute will be largly in the dark so if it helps me be a little more visible i might do it
thanks guys
troppo