Topic: halogen replacement headlamp

[oldyeller]

Hello-

I've recently bought a 1980 CB650. It's my first bike and I don't know how to ride yet, among other issues. I'm doing some work to clean/tune it up, and I'm probably going to have a ton of questions. But here's one to start:

Has anyone had experience with replacement halogen headlamps like this one from Rice paddy?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Halogen-Headlight-CB900-CB750-DOHC-SOHC-CB550-CB650_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35598QQitemZ4637357911QQrdZ1

I like the idea of a headlamp that takes a bulb I can buy anywhere, plus I'd like something brighter than stock. Will this make me happy?

thanks-
yeller

[csendker]

I don't know which brand I have, but I'm running an H4 halogen; 65W/55W if I recall.  Works great and I can see good at night.  It came with the bike, so I can't compare to the OEM headlight though.  You can bring a spare lamp along too.

[Green550F]

Can the Alt handle the wattage? I heard this was a problem on a 550? However not seeing that deer may be worse!

[csendker]

Mine did & does.  It's around 5 ~ 10 watts extra.  It did when I got it and does since I have compensated by swapping out my idiot lights and gauge lamps with LED's.  Although, to be honest, that wasn't my goal, just a happy result.

[scout18]

See if you can get a halogen that is the same wattage as the stock HL then you have no worries.

[Bob Wessner]

During the process of getting my 750 back on the road, I replaced the headlight with a standard auto 7" Halogen bulb. Shortly after doing, I saw a post that this might not be the best idea as the motorcycle produces too much vibration and these weren't meant for that. I thought, what heck, let's see how long it lasts. It's 65/55 unit, I don't ride much at night and it has almost 2,000 miles on it now. I always ride with it on, high beam actually, and when I return I usually put the bike on the smart charger. It never has to top it off so I guess all is well. I do like the idea of being able to find a replacement almost anywhere. We'll see how long it holds up.

[Dusthawk]

I bought a 65/55 H4 halogen assembly for 37 bucks last year and ever since its clear as can be. My old lite was so yellow it was hard to see anything and now, I don't miss much at all. My charging system handles it just fine and I have a 71 CB750 K1. Maybe these had a better charging system but still, I have plenty left power left over.

Peace and Long Rides,

Jeff

[don76]

The guys at RicePaddy had my replacement/upgrade out to me really quickly.  Works great.
Don

[theunrulychef]

Just make sure your battery is in good shape & you don't have any extra add-ons.  Here's another concern, not mentioned in this thread. If you're a city driver, and spend alot of time idling at stoplights, this might not be the best thing for your charging system.  Your charging system isn't outputting enough at idle or low rpms to maintain the stock power usage, let alone any extras. 

My 750F couldn't hack it w/ a teetering battery & all the stopping I do in Philly.  I went back to the stock light & everything was fine.  Now that I'm doing a rebuild and have a fresh battery, I'll plop the halogen back in & see how it goes.

[dusterdude]

if you run an h4,buy an extra,they are not available everywhere.

[Chris Liston]

A few weeks ago I had a rock blast right threw the 30 year old headlight, killed it dead.  Just picked up the cheapest 10 buck Autozone brand halogen replacement 7".  It was one model number different that the Wagner that was on the bike.  Fit right in no issues, its brighter and cheap.  Seems to be holding up fine.  The beam is alittle different but I don't ride much at night. 

[Raul CB750K1]

I bought the other day an H4 headlight out of eBay. The seller told me that in the box stated it was good for the CB350 twin, but the 7'' diameter didn't sound well. I guess I will keep it for my CB750 if that's the diameter...


Raul

[csendker]

Stock:

Headlight: 50W x 1
Taillight: 4W x 1
Idiot Lights: 2W x 4
Gauge Lights: 2W x 4
Running Lights: 4W x 2
Ignore turn signals & brake.
Total Watts: 78W

Halogen:


Headlight: 65W x 1
Taillight: 4W x 1
Idiot Lights: 2W x 4
Gauge Lights: 2W x 4
Running Lights: 4W x 2
Ignore turn signals & brake.
Total Watts: 93W

If you're concerned:

Headlight: 65W x 1
Taillight: 4W x 1
Idiot Lights: LED x 4
Gauge Lights: LED x 4
Running Lights: 4W x 2
Ignore turn signals & brake.
Total Watts: 77W (+/-)

[TwoTired]

Stock:

Headlight: 50W x 1
Taillight: 4W x 1
Idiot Lights: 2W x 4
Gauge Lights: 2W x 4
Running Lights: 4W x 2
Ignore turn signals & brake.
Total Watts: 78W

plus...
One Ignition coil:  28W
Alternator field coil: 20W

Total stock watts consumption: 126

Halogen:

Headlight: 65W x 1
Taillight: 4W x 1
Idiot Lights: 2W x 4
Gauge Lights: 2W x 4
Running Lights: 4W x 2
Ignore turn signals & brake.
Total Watts: 93W

Plus...
One Ignition coil:  28W
Alternator field coil: 20W

Total stock watts consumption: 141

Stock Cb550 alternator peak output (RPM sensitive): 150 Watts; to supply both bike electricals (including turn sigs, stop light not in above budget, **AND** charge the battery.

Further, this assumes all the harness connections and connectors are in factory fresh condition as well as the switch contacts.  Resistive losses here also consume alternator power otherwise available for charging the battery.

Make your decisions accordingly.

Cheers,

[dusterdude]

just remembered,my 81 650 has an h4 as standard equipment.

[csendker]

Thanks for the update TT, I only knew the lamp consumptions.

Total stock watts consumption: 141

not including turn sigs, stop light not in above budget, **AND** charge the battery

Stock Cb550 alternator peak output (RPM sensitive): 150 Watts

So, I just have to never let the motor drop below 2K rpm, run low beam, use hand signals in lieu of the indicators and make judicious use of an intelligent charger.

Oddly enough, I'm having battery trouble right now, but I don't think it's halogen related (my LED's offset the majority of the halogen extra consumption).  I suspect a dying battery as opposed to a bike problem.  In any event, thank you Mr. Honda for keeping the kicker, there was just enough juice left to power up and get home. 

[oldyeller]

Well.... thanks for the replies. Based on these I think I may buy one. First, though, I'll learn to ride the bike and try actually riding it at night.

Just asking about this because it was one of the more interesting aftermarket items I've spotted on ebay.

thanks again-
yeller