Twin Headlights - only one bulb lit?

beeblemaster · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Karma :

Hi,

I couldn't help but ask this question.

I see all these faired bikes with stunning twin headlights like the R1, fazer, etc and even scooters, but how come I only see one bulb lit on most bikes?

Is this how they come off the production line or is it a modification you guys make?

Personally I think the twin headlights look stunning, but then the lights are switched on and a bulbs out... (?)

Please cure my curiosity Very Happy

haGGard · Nearly there... Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Karma :

I think one bulb is dipped beam , the other is high beam...

Well thats what its like on my speedfight anyway...not quite an R1 but hey... Laughing

I like to think it is Wink

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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

One on for dip, both on for beam.

Twin motorbike headlights can look like a car in the distance if you are sat at a dark junction. This can lead to people getting t-boned, hence only one light on when dipped.
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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

There was a time when twin headlights meant both lights lit.

Then the EEC decided that twin headlights on a bike could confuse people into thinking it was a car

(we are talking bureaucrats here who get paid for making paperwork).

So one lamp became dipped and the other was beam.
However, you'll probably find the same bulb used in each part.

A friend of mine with a fazer just ran a wire with a fuse and holder to the other bulb so that both would be lit together. Extra light and I guess extra visibility so more safe. As it's a year thing (bikes made after a certain date must comply, older bikes can still have 2 lit) he just disconnected the fuse for the MOT.

Hope this helps Thumbs Up

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..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

I wish I had £1 for everytime someone has told me headlight isn't working....

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

So glad i have 2 lights on dip and 2 on main beam Very Happy

Surely bikes could be modified to have 2 lights on dipped beam?

beeblemaster · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Karma :

Thanks for your responses.

So, it's a safety thing. Oh well, nevermind.

At least it's put my mind to rest.

Many thanks.

strag · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Karma :

My Thunderace has twin lights and both are on all the time, full beam is excellent as well. I have no Idea if this has been modded but i dont think so. It is a 98 bike so if the rules changed then mine missed em.
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harry69koi · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 09 Jan 2005 Karma :

My fazer was meant to have one dip beam and a poxy sidelight bulb as normal but after a quick mod i now have 2 dip beams Very Happy

still not the best lights in the world but one hell of an improvement, lee
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beast rider · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

The triumph speed triple is a prim example of this whole one light or two thing, they come out of production with only one light working but with those all you have to do is find the fuse board and insert a fresh resistor into the hole where there isn't one.

problem solved !!

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

Bandit is the same, left one is dipped and both of them on for full beam. Smile

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Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

my 03 zx12r has two on all the time for dipped beam and has no switch to turn them off
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jonboy · Trackday Trickster Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Karma :

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

I don't think it IS a regulation, otherwise it would apply to mine

which has no switch, but both lights on
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jonboy · Trackday Trickster Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Karma :

I am a little confused byit all to be honest. I thought there was some kind of regulation at one point, but some recent bikes seem to have both on.
One of the triumph bikes simply has a missing fuse which can be replaced to enable both lights while on dipped beam, so I guess it was a legal regulation at one point, or maybe just an attempt by the manufacturers not to get sued? Confused

binge · Emo Kiddy Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Karma :

Yep, I had a speedfight 2 which had twin Headlights. It had high beam on the left, and dipped beam on the right.

The new CBRrr has twin headlights and when its on dipped, it has just one side on, BUt when its on full beam, they both come on and it lights up the while street! Laughing