Rewire the lights? Bad idea?

meyrick · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Karma :

Just a quick hypothetical...and we're talking about the CB125T. Given the shoddy performance of my headlight on a recent ride it occured to me that the coverage would be much better if the low beam stayed on with the high beam. Sort of a twin beam arrangement, like when you press the flasher button with the high beam on, only permanent.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't rewire the switches etc. to make this happen? Or would I get more 'value' out of a brighter bulb (assuming one is available for my bike) and if so what sort of surplus electrical power output am I likely to have on such a small bike?

Cheers.

Paul Smile

Scotsman37 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Karma :

Yes, do try the better bulb first because my pal's phillips bulb is much brighter than the standard ones you normally get with a bike. I can see that because we have the same model of bike but mine has the standard bulb and his has the phillips bulb!

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

If your bike only uses a single bulb, it may well overheat if you are running both filatments at once all the time.

You will be using twice the power or so anyway, so if your bike can take that you might as well just get a brighter bulb in the first place.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Presume it is a 60/55 bulb. Using both lights at the same time will add an extra 5.5a current drain, which the electrical system might not take. If the headlight reflector is plastic then that might get hot enough to melt. The wiring of the bike might be seriously strained and start to melt.

If you do try it I would suggest wiring it up using a relay with an extra fused feed direct from the battery. This way you will not be putting any extra strain on the wiring.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

meyrick · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Buy yourself a pattern headlamp that takes a halogen bulb and fit it with relays. The CB125 takes a tungsten filament bulb, they are and always have been shite. The charging system should cope with it OK, it is a 3-phase alternator and has the world famous superdream reg/rec unit. Do use relays though as the wiring is not built to take the extra current.

250LC headlamp units are popular and decent, just a simple round headlamp. Pay attention to the wiring if you change it over though (label the connectors before moving them), the inside of those headlamps is like a birds nest.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

meyrick · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

[quote="meyrickHmmm...I'm assuming then that I couldn't get hold of a halogen bulb and just stick it in the stock lamp holder. I guess that would probably melt the unit and the wiring, eh? Eh?

[/quote]

I have fitted a 60/55 halogen bulb into an Aprilia which was meant to run a 45w tungston bulb. Fitted straight in and never had a problem.

Check and see if you can find a halogen bulb of the same wattage and the same fittings.

A relay not only stops you frying the wiring and switchgear, but also means the bulb gets a supply direct from the battery with a lot less sections where there will be some resistance.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

binge · Emo Kiddy Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Karma :

I had a speedfight 2 for about 7 months. It had the twin bulbs on but it was High beam / Low beam.

I used to sort if ballence the switch in the middle so both bulbs were on at once. It looked better and also gave much better lighting.

I had no problems with the electrics, But when I braked or indicated, my lights would dim a bit.

Id say, go for a "Bosch" or a "phillips" pattern bulb, They are VERY bright! Thumbs Up

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

meyrick · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Karma :

Cheers guys Thumbs Up

I think I will try to find a halogen bulb first. Maybe do the job properly if and when I have the cash to spare. That diagram looks pretty much like what I had pictured in my head, thanks for that stinkwheel.

EDIT: Oh, BTW, what does 'pattern' mean in this context?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

meyrick · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Karma :