Firebolt headlights - bright enough?

[skelstar]

Hey guys,
I have an idea about mounting some Buell XB9R/12R Firebolt headlights on my bike (as replacements). The LTSA have thwarted my plans of a big bike in the next 12 months so I want to jazz the trusty steed up a bit...make it look a bit more special.

So: Does anyone know if the Buell Firebolt headlights are very bright (or at least bright enough) for general riding around in the dark?

I guess I wont be spending much time out in the wopps after dark but I dont want to creep around when I do have to.

Thanks.

[Joni]

Sean - the person to ask would be Rashika, she rides a Buell XB12R Firebolt :2thumbsup

[skelstar]

Sean - the person to ask would be Rashika, she rides a Buell XB12R Firebolt :2thumbsup
Yeah I asked her already...she dont go out in the dark apparently :). Was thinking that maybe one of the bike shop guys would know perhaps.

[cowpoos]

Hey guys,
I have an idea about mounting some Buell XB9R/12R Firebolt headlights on my bike (as replacements). The LTSA have thwarted my plans of a big bike in the next 12 months so I want to jazz the trusty steed up a bit...make it look a bit more special.

So: Does anyone know if the Buell Firebolt headlights are very bright (or at least bright enough) for general riding around in the dark?

I guess I wont be spending much time out in the wopps after dark but I dont want to creep around when I do have to.

Thanks.

I have a better Idea...the fully faired version will digi speedo,etc of your bike....better frame and suspension is due in late dec early jan...buy one of those...they look like a big bike...and then give uncle POOS a call and I'll take to your mufflers with a grinder a drill and some metal pliers...[and propally a few potrivets]...and I'll sound like a big bike :2thumbsup

what do you reckon?

[miSTa]

Sean - the person to ask would be Rashika, she rides a Buell XB12R Firebolt :2thumbsup

:stupid: Rashika's an absolute fountain of knowledge on all things Buell.

[skelstar]

I have a better Idea...the fully faired version will digi speedo,etc of your bike....better frame and suspension is due in late dec early jan...buy one of those...they look like a big bike...and then give uncle POOS a call and I'll take to your mufflers with a grinder a drill and some metal pliers...[and propally a few potrivets]...and I'll sound like a big bike :2thumbsup

what do you reckon?
Not a bad idea. Quite happy with the nekid-ness of my bike. Its just gotta have a bit more mongrel...now I know thats gonna make some people laugh but without the silly headlight on the front thats been around for centuries, it could look good. Ive seen a 'fightered' version of my bike (and have posted the pic in the past) and its looks cool. The exhaust idea is a goody though :). Probably would screw my 25km/L economy though eh? :)
Thanks Mr Poos...might take you up on that offer. You at the Sprints or Motomart ride on Sunday?

ps - the headlight unit on that bike costs $1030+ (ex Korea) as a spare part.:bash:

[skelstar]

:stupid: Rashika's an absolute fountain of knowledge on all things Buell.
And very helpful :). asked her about 3-4 weeks ago...was looking at some hella lights (similar) that cost US$58 ea (2 lights in a set - US site)...WgtnMC said NZ$83 each for the Firebolt. Dang thats a good price...and exactly what I want, I think.

[ducatilover]

And very helpful :). asked her about 3-4 weeks ago...was looking at some hella lights (similar) that cost US$58 ea (2 lights in a set - US site)...WgtnMC said NZ$83 each for the Firebolt. Dang thats a good price...and exactly what I want, I think.
well if you get any decent lights give me a yell cos i want something to go on the bros and i dont live anywhere near a dealer that can get decent parts like that:doh:

[SPORK]

Would you be able to provide us with a picture of said Firebolt lights?

[skelstar]

Would you be able to provide us with a picture of said Firebolt lights?
Sure thing. First image is firebolt with the light modules (one low other high pressumably).
Second image (hope order is right here) is the streetfightered Hyobag (in Korea maybe) with the type of light treatment I want to do. I think the Buells lights are a bit bigger...this wont be to everyones taste but you gotta admit...its got a bit more attitude than the stocker.

[SPORK]

Sure thing. First image is firebolt with the light modules (one low other high pressumably).
Second image (hope order is right here) is the streetfightered Hyobag (in Korea maybe) with the type of light treatment I want to do. I think the Buells lights are a bit bigger...this wont be to everyones taste but you gotta admit...its got a bit more attitude than the stocker.
I think if you made a cool bracket that placed them side by side it would look pretty awesome. The stacked look is a bit too 999 for my likings... But all the best in your endeavor, kind sir.

[cowpoos]

Not a bad idea. Quite happy with the nekid-ness of my bike. Its just gotta have a bit more mongrel...now I know thats gonna make some people laugh but without the silly headlight on the front thats been around for centuries, it could look good. Ive seen a 'fightered' version of my bike (and have posted the pic in the past) and its looks cool. The exhaust idea is a goody though :). Probably would screw my 25km/L economy though eh? :)
Thanks Mr Poos...might take you up on that offer. You at the Sprints or Motomart ride on Sunday?

ps - the headlight unit on that bike costs $1030+ (ex Korea) as a spare part.:bash:

I'm workin this weekend man...have to catch up some time though...noisy pipe won't do buggar all to your economy as for a headlight... www.sportsbikesnz.co.nz email him if you can't see what u want... :2thumbsup

[skelstar]

I'm workin this weekend man...have to catch up some time though...noisy pipe won't do buggar all to your economy as for a headlight... www.sportsbikesnz.co.nz email him if you can't see what u want... :2thumbsup
Bummer about work. Way ahead of you re: www.sportsbikesnz.co.nz...it was gonna cost him (read: me) too much to bring something in. Besides it might be prudent to have something that actually orginates from a bike that is sold in NZ (anticipating legal reasons).
Talk to you sometime about the muffler. Will spot you on a ride at some stage...thanks again.

[skelstar]

I think if you made a cool bracket that placed them side by side it would look pretty awesome. The stacked look is a bit too 999 for my likings... But all the best in your endeavor, kind sir.
Fair enough...Ill keep you posted (this is frustrating the hell out of me :bash: ).

[SPORK]

Fair enough...Ill keep you posted (this is frustrating the hell out of me :bash: ).
Oh good stuff. I'd be quite interested in just how customised you're going to make that comet. I just say though, that they're quite randy looking bikes.

[Pixie]

Narva do 70mm driving lights with a 250 meter range for around $80
They are not projector lamps like the Buell but my experience with projectors is that conventional lamps are better.

[skelstar]

Narva do 70mm driving lights with a 250 meter range for around $80
They are not projector lamps like the Buell but my experience with projectors is that conventional lamps are better.
Hey they look pretty cool. The thing is: are driving lights the same as headlights? ie if I fitted a driving light, would it pass you reckon. I have emailed Narva about this question.
Thanks!

[skelstar]

Had a chat to Narva and they reckon the lights would be ok. Would have to check with LTSA though.

http://www.narva.co.nz/ForwardLighting_1.html

^^^ These are the lights Im thinking about using. A lot easier than my other options so far I reckon (mounting-wise).

[tracyprier]

Have you tried fitting one of those ultra-bright Xenon type bulbs first??

Might be a cheaper option.


Hey guys,
I have an idea about mounting some Buell XB9R/12R Firebolt headlights on my bike (as replacements). The LTSA have thwarted my plans of a big bike in the next 12 months so I want to jazz the trusty steed up a bit...make it look a bit more special.

So: Does anyone know if the Buell Firebolt headlights are very bright (or at least bright enough) for general riding around in the dark?

I guess I wont be spending much time out in the wopps after dark but I dont want to creep around when I do have to.

Thanks.

[skelstar]

Have you tried fitting one of those ultra-bright Xenon type bulbs first??

Might be a cheaper option.
Instead of my ugo traditional 7inch headlight?
Not replacing the headlight for better light...doing it for asthetic reasons :).

[Ducman]

There's a guy on trademe based in Warkworth imports all sorts of stuff, he has a line of street fighter bits including several types of dual headlight setups

[skelstar]

There's a guy on trademe based in Warkworth imports all sorts of stuff, he has a line of street fighter bits including several types of dual headlight setups
Yeah, have corresponded with him (Kitt?) a bit about it. His lights are a bit more than I wanted to spend.

Found out the Narva lights I might be keen on are $95ea, and a trick Hella light (high beam - looks mean as) is $112+...

Decisions. Unfortunately I dont get to see the lights in the flesh first :).

[Zapf]

Yeah, have corresponded with him (Kitt?) a bit about it. His lights are a bit more than I wanted to spend.

Found out the Narva lights I might be keen on are $95ea, and a trick Hella light (high beam - looks mean as) is $112+...

Decisions. Unfortunately I dont get to see the lights in the flesh first :).

driving lights are high beam.... low beams are low beams.

who at Hella have u been talking to? And the Trick one is that the 90mm one we talked about?

[skelstar]

driving lights are high beam.... low beams are low beams.

who at Hella have u been talking to? And the Trick one is that the 90mm one we talked about?
The trick one is 66mm...very nice. Nope not EXACTLY the one we were talking about. Seems you cant get the ones WWTA in NZ (at least they arent in the NZ catalogue).
Might have to wait until after Xmas at this rate...had to replace brake pads yesterday (@ 10,000kms!!!). :)

[Zapf]

The trick one is 66mm...very nice. Nope not EXACTLY the one we were talking about. Seems you cant get the ones WWTA in NZ (at least they arent in the NZ catalogue).
Might have to wait until after Xmas at this rate...had to replace brake pads yesterday (@ 10,000kms!!!). :)

is the catalogue electronic or paper? if so can u email it to me?

[skelstar]

is the catalogue electronic or paper? if so can u email it to me?
Just go to www.hella.co.nz
Its in the menu somewhere...theres a few MBs to look through :) dont forget to check in the 'fog lights' one as well...

[Zapf]

Just go to www.hella.co.nz
Its in the menu somewhere...theres a few MBs to look through :) dont forget to check in the 'fog lights' one as well...

ah tkns... didn't realise they had updated the catalog.

[skelstar]

Got my Nissan Cefiro headlights this morning (see attachment). Very excited about opening them up and seeing what they look like. Thinking about mounting them horozontally now...like the firebolt but without the bikini fairing.

[SPORK]

Got my Nissan Cefiro headlights this morning (see attachment). Very excited about opening them up and seeing what they look like. Thinking about mounting them horozontally now...like the firebolt but without the bikini fairing.
Are you taking them out of the casing? I hope so...

Horizontal would be the way I'd do it. Vertically looks a bit thin for my liking.

[skelstar]

Are you taking them out of the casing? I hope so...

Horizontal would be the way I'd do it. Vertically looks a bit thin for my liking.
Sure am, although I have my female flatmate convinced Im going to bolt it on as-is :).

Might just be easier to do the horizontal option...with current mounting brackets etc.

[skelstar]

Ive pulled the lights apart and theyre not quite what I thought they would be (checkout pics). I thought they would be a bit more in a 'sealed' unit. The reflector (light source) at the back is MUCH bigger than I would like. If it were the same diameter as the lense at the front then I could put them both in a tube or something. Maybe I could try cutting them.:doh:

I would say that the diameter of the lense at the front would be 70mm (standard), but as you can see its much bigger further back.

Fortunately this headight assembly only cost $60.

Ill take ideas. :)

[cowpoos]

...had to replace brake pads yesterday (@ 10,000kms!!!). :)

is that because of all the demoned braking in to corners you do????



I've heard the rumors....what out TS!!

[skelstar]

is that because of all the demoned braking in to corners you do????
Too right. Im a man on a mission. Dover was saying he wore his out at 5000kms...some track stuff though.

[Zapf]

Ive pulled the lights apart and theyre not quite what I thought they would be (checkout pics). I thought they would be a bit more in a 'sealed' unit. The reflector (light source) at the back is MUCH bigger than I would like. If it were the same diameter as the lense at the front then I could put them both in a tube or something. Maybe I could try cutting them.:doh:

I would say that the diameter of the lense at the front would be 70mm (standard), but as you can see its much bigger further back.

Fortunately this headight assembly only cost $60.

Ill take ideas. :)

ermm... "Projectors"

[skelstar]

ermm... "Projectors"
Errrmmm...eh? :)