Topic: New headlights smoking

[CR125Honda]

I purchased a 3ea. headlights for my 74 CB750 a few years ago from my local honda shop. Price was right so I bought a few extras for the future.

Couple days ago, low beam burnt out. Replaced it with one of my "new" ones. As soon as I turned it on, I could see some smoke billowing inside the bulb. It left a residue inside the glass but continued to work. I was in a bit of a rush so I didn't troubleshoot and went on a ride with a few friends. It cooked in a couple hours and high beam did the same thing a few hours later..

Next day I did some troubleshooting -

Bike not running - 12.5v a battery, 11v at headlight connector in both high and low positions.
Bike running - 12.4v at idle and 14.9v at 4000 rpm.

Hooked up another "new" bulb.

Same issue. As soon as I turn it on - smoke. I'm guessing the bulbs went bad (lost their seal?) over the years sitting on the shelf in my garage. Hot cold, hot cold, etc. Or maybe I got a bad batch back then?

For a test I hooked up a old Harley bulb I have and it works fine.

The bulbs I purchased from Honda are GE 6014.

[torrinh]

I agree with your diagnosis, doctor. Bad seals in the bulbs would cause air to get into the housing, causing the filaments to burn out quickly. On a side note, what wattage are your new bulbs, vs the harley bulb you tried?

[CR125Honda]

The ones I bought were stock OEM Honda bulbs. I think they are 50w/60w. The numbers on the Harley bulb are faded enough that I can't read them.

I've read that the 6014 can be replaced with a 6024 (halogen). May go that route. Don't want the look of the HID's. Need to search some more to find what others are using.

[torrinh]

I'm using 6024 halogen from NAPA. Works pretty well, and brighter than what I had before.