Author Topic: halogen headlights  (Read 5709 times)

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apormarkos

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halogen headlights
« on: November 08, 2005, 03:14:51 PM »
hi
has anybody bought or installed one of these halogen headlights in a 550 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Halogen-Headlight-CB900-CB750-DOHC-SOHC-CB550-CB650_W0QQitemZ4588414157QQcategoryZ35598QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)?  does anyone know if the alternator can handle it?  i have the sealed beam on the bike now, and it seems to do pretty well... but i'm thinking of lightening up the night a bit better.
thanks,
apor

Offline ProTeal55

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2005, 03:30:08 PM »
As a rule , Halogen lights are a big draw on any bike.

I remember we put a set of halogen running lights on a
2005 Victory Hammer at work , and the bike had electrical issues untill we removed them.
Just too much draw on the system.

I am guessing that a 30 year old bike will have similar issues , but I could be wrong.........
Joe a.k.a ProTeal55 a.k.a JoeyCocks a.k.a Maker of Friends

ditchen

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2005, 03:35:57 PM »
I had a bad low beam when I got my 75 cb 750, stock bulb I believ was 40/55 I think. I just went down to the auto part store and pick up a halogen (try to find non halogen these days) replacement for a 76 ford truck. It was a 50/65 watts, seemed to be working ok, a lot brighter then the stock. Well, especially on the low beam that was burned out.

Offline ofreen

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2005, 03:51:12 PM »
As a rule , Halogen lights are a big draw on any bike.

I remember we put a set of halogen running lights on a
2005 Victory Hammer at work , and the bike had electrical issues untill we removed them.
Just too much draw on the system.

I am guessing that a 30 year old bike will have similar issues , but I could be wrong.........

I replaced the sealed beam headlight on the 750 with a Bosch halogen unit using H4 bulbs over 15 years ago.  It was a big improvement and has worked great ever since.

Greg
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Greg
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Offline Gordon

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2005, 04:01:55 PM »
Never had a problem using halogen replacement headlights on my bikes.  I expect the problem with the halogen running lights was that you were adding extra lights rather than replacing an existing one. 

Offline Einyodeler

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2005, 04:12:39 PM »
I run the Bosch Halogen Motorcycle Light on my 500`s and have no charging problems whatsoever.
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2005, 04:24:22 PM »
The cb550 only has a 150 watt alternator.   The Cb750 has a bigger one, 175 to 210 watts depending on the year.  So, the 750 is better able to handle the extra load of a headlight that draws more power.  The 750 also has a larger battery giving it more stored power.  This is important, because at idle, the alternator isn't spinning fast enough to supply all the electrical needs of the stock bike.  And, power is drained from the battery during idle.  A larger headlight will drain the battery faster at idle.  Also, it will need a higher RPM to provide restorative power to the battery while driving.
  Much depends on how you operate the bike.  If you operate in the city and spend a lot of time idling, you could run the battery down significantly.  If you spend most of your operation time on the highway in cruise, you probably won't see much of a battery rundown issue.

Something to think about with these old bikes is voltage loss through all the connectors that power the headlight.  10 connectors losing 0.2 volts per connector means your headlight only has 10 volts to operate on.  This will make a 35 watt headlight shine with the brightness of a 30 watt headlight.
Also, increasing the current draw through such lossy connectors heats them up more as they drop even more power when carying higher currents.  You should measure the voltage right at the headlight terminals while it is operating to see if you are getting the full battery voltage to it.

Lastly, the main fuse's operating margin is dimished, making it run hotter.  Any fuse clip corrosion will generate even more heat and it will conduct to the fuse element.  They combined heating effects can melt the fuse without a true overcurrent condition.

good luck,
« Last Edit: November 08, 2005, 04:47:28 PM by TwoTired »
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
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Offline ProTeal55

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #7 on: November 08, 2005, 04:32:21 PM »
GORDON---->
We actually were replacing a standard 1157 bulb with a halogen unit.
The halogen drew allot more voltage than what was on their from the factory , and the
bike's charging system didn't like it.

As far this topic goes , the multi-meter would be the only way to know for sure.
Check the voltage with the stock headlight , then with the halogen , and go from their.....
Joe a.k.a ProTeal55 a.k.a JoeyCocks a.k.a Maker of Friends

Offline oldbiker

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #8 on: November 09, 2005, 02:54:02 AM »
If you replace a 50w standard bulb with a 50w halogen bulb there will be NO EXTRA LOAD on the charging system. Question is, can you get a halogen bulb of the required wattage.

Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2005, 03:02:28 AM »
Absolutely correct John and Lloyd.

The H4 conversions not only give more light output PER WATT but have a better (more modern) lense design to throw the light more effectively.

Check out the Cibie/Koito thread from a while back:  http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=4615.15

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Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #10 on: November 09, 2005, 05:55:16 AM »
Try this one: http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=1012.msg26572#msg26572

I originally posted it as I was interested in the "blue" lights that you see nowadays.

The article seems to imply that halogen bulbs make more light because they draw more current...

not true if they exhibit the same "wattage" ie a 60W halogen will not draw more current than a 60W tungsten bulb.
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Offline Dennis

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #11 on: November 09, 2005, 06:03:06 AM »

The article seems to imply that halogen bulbs make more light because they draw more current...

not true if they exhibit the same "wattage" ie a 60W halogen will not draw more current than a 60W tungsten bulb.


Many of us are aware of that, a watt is a watt is a watt. Or is it 60w = 60w?

Some people seem to get onto the myth and do not find the facts.

eldar

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #12 on: November 09, 2005, 08:28:48 AM »
If you do not go overboard on wattage, any bike can run a halogen. You just need to find the right wattage.
I have always had a an H4 halogen on my 750 works great and over the winter i am going to possibly increase the wattage on it. I guess i do not worry about long idle periods. If you have to idle for more than a couple of minutes, what are you doing? I guess most people I know, periodically rev their engines while idling.

Really if you get something within 10 watts of your current bulb, you should be fine.

Offline dusterdude

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #13 on: November 09, 2005, 08:52:27 AM »
ok,here we go.halogens have a whiter light than non halogens so there for you see more of the road.they also have better light patterns too and just for info you can buy 100 watt halogens too.although they are illegal for road use
mark
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1 1/2 gl1100 goldwings
1998 cbr600 f3

eldar

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #14 on: November 09, 2005, 09:00:39 AM »
Illegal for who? We have 1 light. We need all we can get!

Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #15 on: November 09, 2005, 10:01:21 AM »
What are those nasty blue/white lights you see on a lot of newer cars now? I'm sure they are great for the driver, but for on-coming traffic, they suck, are way too bright.  >:(
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Offline dusterdude

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #16 on: November 09, 2005, 11:24:59 AM »
oh bob,they are the latest and greatest,they are called zenon.
mark
1972 k1 750
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1998 cbr600 f3

Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #17 on: November 09, 2005, 11:27:27 AM »
Try this one: http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=1012.msg26572#msg26572

I originally posted it as I was interested in the "blue" lights that you see nowadays.

The article seems to imply that halogen bulbs make more light because they draw more current...

not true if they exhibit the same "wattage" ie a 60W halogen will not draw more current than a 60W tungsten bulb.

Here's my post from this morning about blue lights...
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Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #18 on: November 09, 2005, 12:38:02 PM »
Quote
oh bob,they are the latest and greatest,they are called zenon.

Hmm, since I almost never ride at night, but put mine on during the day while riding, wonder if they make one (zenon) as a replacement for the stock 7" rounds most of usl have.. then they would really see me.  ;D
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mylittleho

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #19 on: November 09, 2005, 12:45:36 PM »
oh bob,they are the latest and greatest,they are called zenon.

It's not so much Xenon (as 90% of regular halogen lamps already contain Xenon) They are actually HID (High Intensity Discharge) and they have ballasts that energize an ARC between 2 points there is no real filament and they are bright as looking into the sun.. Or looking straight at an Arc welder... They have a cutoff (a literal line that is the extent of their light range so as to NOT blind people) but in actuality if they are coming over a hill and you are lower than they are.. you will get the full force of the headlights.. very very very bright but actually take less energy to run them than a regular bulb.. and last 5 times longer.. Different Temperature bulbs create different colors.. 6000*K being the whitest light.. purple and blue being more like 10,000*K
« Last Edit: November 09, 2005, 12:52:37 PM by mylittleho »

Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #20 on: November 09, 2005, 12:48:59 PM »
Quote
..but actually take less energy to run them than a regular bulb..

Sure seems contrary to what one would think looking at them. Interesting, thanks for the info.
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theunrulychef

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #21 on: November 10, 2005, 05:17:34 AM »
My own experience with a halogen headlight on my 77 CB750F2 wasn't as good as others have reported.  I also am running a Boyer EI & use a homemade electric vest when it's cold so I do have some extra draws.  I did, however, just install a new battery & adjust my regulator to specs.  Apparently, driving in Philly is just too much idling for any extra electronic gadgetry.  I went back to my sealed beam & it's definately helped.  Now I just wish I hadn't cut the wires off of my stock coils to put on those f@#$ing CB900 coils that seem to be wreaking havoc on my already unstable system.  I'm really kicking myself over that one.  :'(

My recommendation would be to do what I seem to have a problem doing; think about your system as a whole & the power requirements you have before throwing extra crap on.

Also, oddly enough, the sealed beam has more of a curve to the glass than the halogen (that I purchased).  I thought the halogen was a little strange looking from the side because it was so flat.

Offline dusterdude

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #22 on: November 10, 2005, 05:34:59 AM »
unruly one,im not sure what coils you have but if they are 3 ohm i have 3 ohm coils on my bike and have experienced no problems at all.
mark
1972 k1 750
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1 1/2 gl1100 goldwings
1998 cbr600 f3

Offline Dennis

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Re: halogen headlights
« Reply #23 on: November 10, 2005, 07:15:10 AM »
My own experience with a halogen headlight on my 77 CB750F2 wasn't as good as others have reported. .... when it's cold so I do have some extra draws. ...
 I went back to my sealed beam & it's definately helped.
My recommendation would be to do what I seem to have a problem doing; think about your system as a whole & the power requirements you have before throwing extra crap on.



I don't really understand why you should be getting better results with the sealed beam unless there is a significant difference in the wattages between the 2 headlights. Do you have a very low wattage sealed beam (like the early Honda units)? 
Obviously you are correct in that the system must be considered as a whole, including your usage. I know some riders who always use a battery tender when they are not riding, that's one approach. Doesn't work for me - I have no power in my storage area.
If you want to get rid of that halogen headlight, let me know exactly what you have (picture would be nice) and how much you want for it.
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Offline Egil

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SV: halogen headlights
« Reply #24 on: November 10, 2005, 10:56:30 AM »
When you upgrads ??? to Halogen bulb you must upgrade your wiring also ;D, to get the best result.
See  http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=2380.msg19193#msg19193 

If thise can  help you on the road to get a brigther light . :)

Egil
 
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