RS100 Bulbs, please help.

[RXZMATT]

I need a headlight and a tail light bulb for a my 1988 rs100, I cant find the bulb codes and I dont have a broken bulb to refer to, please can anyone help?
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Matthew

[Dan79]

Does the headlamp dish have a marking on it stating the type of bulb to be used ?

If this helps, the Haynes manual for the 1977-1988 Rx and Rxs says the 1988 rs100 should use a 6V 35/35 Watt headlamp bulb, and a 6V 21/5 watt tail-stop lamp bulb, with offset bayonet fitting.

Presuming it is the same as my 1990 RXS100, the headlamp bulb should be a three-prong globe-shaped type, with a dish-fit surround that slots into the main reflector of the headlamp. Bulb types containing a metal reflector within the bulb itself underneath the filaments, and those without the internal reflector, seem to work fine (although the latter give a far superior beam on my RXS). The manual mentions no difference in terms of these bulbs between the rs and rxs. Unfortunately, the closest I have been able to find is a 35/36 watt which the shop had to order in specially - good luck sourcing a 35/35.

Hope this helps.

[27cows]

I had an RS100 many years ago...but I don't think I ever had to change a bulb at either end. I think they're the same as the RXS, though.

M&P do both a 35/35 and 45/40 duplo headlight bulb: https://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/526063/Spares/Bulbs-and-Fuses/On-Two-Wheels

https://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/526064/Spares/Bulbs-and-Fuses/On-Two-Wheels

And the offset pin tail light bulb: https://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/526057/Spares/Bulbs-and-Fuses/On-Two-Wheels

M&P's postal charges are such that it's only worth ordering from them if a) you're also ordering a fair bit of other stuff or b) you just can't find the bulbs from any other source.

Many shops no longer stock 6V bulbs (I know of only one that does now).

[RXZMATT]

Thank you VERY much Guys, I managed to track down the Bulb Locally. Litterally you have saved my new years eve. THANK YOU and Happy New Years!
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Matthew

[Serendipity]

I got my last RXS100 replacements from Wemoto, but good old Halfrauds stock the tail light in the larger stores:

https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_263433_langId_-1_categoryId_165582

I exhausted the stock of my local store single handed when my tail lights kept blowing last year. It took me an embarrassingly long time to discover that I had fitted a 12v bulb to the front lamp in error, which meant that the rear lights had very bright, but very short lives. My local bike shop supplied the bulb and I fitted it without checking.
You’ll still have to look elsewhere for the front bulb, unless your RS happens to take a different shape to the RXS100. Halfords stock this one with the right values, but wrong connectors. It doesn’t fit the RXS, but may be right for the RS.

https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_263515_langId_-1_categoryId_165582
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2007 CBF1000 & 2016 CBF1000F - Commuter heaven | 1994 CBR600FR - Awaiting defibrillation

[27cows]

On the plus side, RXS headlight bulbs last more or less forever if you don't physically break them. I've only ever had one blow in 19 years...but I have busted a couple accidentally.

Rears are a different matter. You can have one last two or three years, then have three blow in a week. Bizarre carry on

[RXZMATT]

SERIOUSLY PISSED OFF NOW. I managed to get the bulb I've been looking for, for DAYS. Fitted it just in time for the mot AND THE BULB BLEW. Someone really must not like me. What would cause this? I guess I'm staying in tonight.
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Matthew

[27cows]

Was that the headlight or tail light bulb that blew?

Sounds like you may have a dodgy regulator, if the bulb blew after giving the engine some revs. Guess it could just have been bad luck, but I doubt that.

[RXZMATT]

Okay, I wouldnt be surprised if it was bad luck, I will try another bulb. What will I have to do if my regulators on the blink?
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Matthew

[27cows]

Replace it I must say that in all my years of owning an RXS (which has a very similar electrical system) I've never had a regulator or rectifier fail. The RS100 has points, I think, so the alternator set up will be different to the RX. Whether or not the charging system is the same, I really don't know.

Did the bulb blow when you were riding the bike?

[RXZMATT]

I didnt even get that far, fitted it. Put it all back together. Started it, warmed it up and then the high beam went. Then the Low stopped working. The glass on the bulb is like a blue/grey.
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Matthew

[27cows]

[RXZMATT]

Yeah I have, all the lights work fine. A little dim but thats 6v for you. I've been told its probably the Rectifier?
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Matthew

[27cows]

Could be. I've had three or four just rot away on my RXS (though I don't think any got to the point of actually not working). Might be worth having a look, see if the spade connectors are green and manky.

[Raffles]

[27cows]

I'd favour a dodgy/broken earth wire myself.

[RXZMATT]

Okay, I really apreciate your help. I would be lost without it, where would I find the earth wire?
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Matthew

[RXZMATT]

Oh yeah, and my brand new rear bulb went aswell.
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Matthew

[27cows]

There are numerous earth wires (black on the RXS, presumably the same on the RS), but only two main points of contact. You need to check the (probably) blue wire from the battery is undamaged making good contact with its point on the frame. There may well be rust under the point where the connector is touching the frame.

You also need to pay particular attention to the (probably) black earth wire which should be located near or directly under the rectifier (under the tank, towards the front of the bike).

Give all of the wiring a close visual inspection and keep an eye open for any damage, trapped wires and loose/corroded connections.

On the RXS, the regulator is under the tank, near the centre of the bike. It's connected by a single yellow/white wire - pay close attention to that. Of course, if the regulator has failed, there will probably be no obvious sign, but like I said above, I've never had one pack up on me in nearly 20 years of hard use.

[RXZMATT]

Okay, well I will get on it first thing tomorrow morning. I will let you know how I get on Thanks very much again
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Matthew

[RXZMATT]

Also, My indicators flash faster than the average too. Is this normal for an RS?
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Matthew

[27cows]

The indicators flash too fast when the relay is on the blink (no pun etc ) or when the relay and indicator bulbs aren't compatible (ie, if a 23W relay is used with 10W bulbs, for instance). If the indicators flash faster as the revs rise, the chances are the regulator is the cause of your problems.

[RXZMATT]

They dont flash faster they flash brighter with revs. Where would I find the relay? How do I check if its not the right relay? Thanks again
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Matthew

[RXZMATT]

Would the relay be the cause of my Front and back bulb blowouts?
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Matthew

[27cows]