Halogen bulbs getting stuck on high beam?

Matthew_Lee · Nova Slayer Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

Hey guys,
I'm New to this forum so i would just like to say a quick hello Very Happy

I feel i will be using this place regular to share info and advice...
So i have a question, which is messing with my head... It goes like this..

I currently own a 125 cruiser, and the standard headlight bulbs are the bosch globe type (BA20D) and in all fairness, it sucks, not bright enough for my journeys on long dark roads.. So i upgraded to a 35/35 Halogen type bulb.

The light is much better, and much whiter as it's halogen... BUT...
This is the second halogen bulb i have fitted which has got it's self stuck on the full beams.. why is this?

does it have something to do with the vibrations of the bike causing the bulbs filaments to stick? I just seem out of luck here.
Also, it would appear that the halogen bulbs are melting the plastic housing that the bulb sits in Sad

All seems very odd, So any advice would be nice..
why are halogen bulbs not working for me
Thank you for reading
Shocked

Blau Zedong · Banned Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Karma :

Matthew_Lee · Nova Slayer Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

Thanks for the response

Do you know if it's possible to purchase a metal part which holds the bulb, or will i have to look at using a complete new headlight unit with the right fittings?

But then again, this will probably bring me back to my other point though of the vibrations being too much for a halogen bulb....

I looked into other ways of lighting, like spotlights etc, but they all require more power than my bike can give to operate...

Raffles · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Karma :

This is a common problem and a question that is frequently asked on this and other bike forums. The bottom line is that you can't use halogen bulbs in plastic housings that are designed to accomodate tungsten bulbs as they will overheat and melt.
If you want to upgrade your lighting then you should consider purchasing an alternative headlight unit that is constructed of metal and glass.
____________________
A good loser will always be a loser.

Matthew_Lee · Nova Slayer Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

That makes a lot of sense, Thank you.

It does seem to be a problem putting a halogen bulb in with a plasic housing, as the halogen bulb does get much hotter than a standard tungsten bulb.

I'm going to look into a different headlight unit, also going to need to look at some mounting brackets so a new unit can mount to the forks.

Again, Thanks for the response.. i can see the problem more clearly now Mr. Green

stirlinggaz · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Karma :

might be something to do with the brand/type of replacement bulbs used,,,,,
heard of some of the cheaper ones being of crap build quality,
spend the extra fiver & get these.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Bulb-Bosch-12v-35-35-Halogen-T14-5-BA20D-/150665127359?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item23145765bf#ht_1832wt_955
(i cant personally recommend those but they look very similar to the ones i have)
cheers,
GAZ

Raffles · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Karma :

Matthew_Lee · Nova Slayer Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

Your point is correct, it will still melt.
I am currently looking at new headlights,

This one in particular
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Chrome-Headlight-Cyclops-6-Inch-Diameter-/140605927435?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item20bcc4300b#ht_1513wt_1185

I know it's still a plastic housing, but i think it may put abit more light on the road as it's slightly bigger than my current headlight...

I can't find any reviews about that headlight though.
Failing that i will just get a bates metal headlight with a glass lense