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Thread: How to improve headlight output?

  1. #1
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    How to improve headlight output?

    My CBX has a crap headlight. So I want to make it betterer. Im open to all ideas. Only issue to swapping the whole light is that the main loom wiring connectors sit in the light but I could make a little box for it.

    Ive double light sets, are they legal and any good?

    Will look at the output of my wiring but the bike charges and starts well.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    but once again you proved me wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by cassina View Post
    I was hit by one such driver while remaining in the view of their mirror.

  2. #2
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    What wattage bulb do you have NOW. What is the maximum the manufacturer states should be used on YOUR model.

    There are bulbs available now that have a claimed increase in brightness ...

    AND speak to an auto sparky.
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    What wattage bulb do you have NOW. What is the maximum the manufacturer states should be used on YOUR model.

    There are bulbs available now that have a claimed increase in brightness ...

    AND speak to an auto sparky.
    50/55 I think. But its dull. Will be checking connectors etc on the weekend. But one intresting thing with my bike is it has no earths to the frame. So was thinking a more modern reflector would be better. My bike has a H4 8" car headlight.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    but once again you proved me wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by cassina View Post
    I was hit by one such driver while remaining in the view of their mirror.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by nzspokes View Post
    50/55 I think. But its dull. Will be checking connectors etc on the weekend. But one intresting thing with my bike is it has no earths to the frame. So was thinking a more modern reflector would be better. My bike has a H4 8" car headlight.
    The square or round headlights are a fairly generic size, you can typically find a hella/similar alternative that fits in the same bucket and give improved performance. I know even new bikes like the speed/street triple some owners swap them out for aftermarket lenses.

    I'm in the process of fitting buell headlights to my bike (dual round) , and with some cheap mods to the high/low configuration should have some good cheap headlights (the unit is ~$200 brand new, just fab up some cheap ally mounts).
    Ciao Marco

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by nzspokes View Post
    50/55 I think. But its dull. Will be checking connectors etc on the weekend. But one intresting thing with my bike is it has no earths to the frame. So was thinking a more modern reflector would be better. My bike has a H4 8" car headlight.
    You think ... ???

    Which part of ... "Speak with an Auto-spary" ... is not understood.

    His advice is usually free .. and can test (Your bike)for most (if not ALL) of the information you require... quickly ...
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    You think ... ???

    Which part of ... "Speak with an Auto-spary" ... is not understood.

    His advice is usually free .. and can test (Your bike)for most (if not ALL) of the information you require... quickly ...
    Changed it a few weeks back, cant remember if it was 50/55 or 55/60.

    Auto sparky not open now and its all about me.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    but once again you proved me wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by cassina View Post
    I was hit by one such driver while remaining in the view of their mirror.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Latte View Post
    The square or round headlights are a fairly generic size, you can typically find a hella/similar alternative that fits in the same bucket and give improved performance. I know even new bikes like the speed/street triple some owners swap them out for aftermarket lenses.

    I'm in the process of fitting buell headlights to my bike (dual round) , and with some cheap mods to the high/low configuration should have some good cheap headlights (the unit is ~$200 brand new, just fab up some cheap ally mounts).
    Have see some dual rounds on TM for about the same money. Have been thinking along those lines. But a Hornet light also looks like it would fit.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    but once again you proved me wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by cassina View Post
    I was hit by one such driver while remaining in the view of their mirror.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by nzspokes View Post
    ... and its all about me.
    honda riders ....
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    honda riders ....
    Chronic insomniac as well. I live on a few hours sleep a night at times so to much sare time to think.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    but once again you proved me wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by cassina View Post
    I was hit by one such driver while remaining in the view of their mirror.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by nzspokes View Post
    Have see some dual rounds on TM for about the same money. Have been thinking along those lines. But a Hornet light also looks like it would fit.
    I was going to go aftermarket but forum posts etc have stated the light output is better from the buell setup. And they do look better imo (especially with the oem screen etc). Although the aftermarket ones have been designed as universal so have as an easier mount setup when doing custom.
    Ciao Marco

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Latte View Post
    I was going to go aftermarket but forum posts etc have stated the light output is better from the buell setup. And they do look better imo (especially with the oem screen etc). Although the aftermarket ones have been designed as universal so have as an easier mount setup when doing custom.
    So the Buell ones you got are new?

    I can make mounts.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    but once again you proved me wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by cassina View Post
    I was hit by one such driver while remaining in the view of their mirror.

  12. #12
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    i wouldent get a factory hornet headlight they are shit
    id know
    im concidering a glass lens as the ploycarbonate ones are crap and limit my output

    plastic fabricator/welder here if you need a hand ! will work for beer/bourbon/booze

    come ride the southern roads www.southernrider.co.nz

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    Wire the lights with a big fat wire direct from the battery, using relays to do the switching. Solder the connectors. Proper earths back to the frame. It's not hard, you just have to think about it a bit.

    Voltage drop through the standard weedy little wires and handlebar switch blades is taking energy away from the lights
    it's not a bad thing till you throw a KLR into the mix.
    those cheap ass bitches can do anything with ductape.
    (PostalDave on ADVrider)

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by nzspokes View Post
    So the Buell ones you got are new?

    I can make mounts.
    Yarr, give a harley dealer a call. I bought the screen and some of the mounts for $400 all up (with the headlight).

    I can rustle up the specific part numbers, but if you google buell headlight conversion you'll find em pretty quick.

    There's a thread on here from someone going from Hornet to Buell headlights, did a good job.
    Ciao Marco

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by pete376403 View Post
    Wire the lights with a big fat wire direct from the battery, using relays to do the switching. Solder the connectors. Proper earths back to the frame. It's not hard, you just have to think about it a bit.

    Voltage drop through the standard weedy little wires and handlebar switch blades is taking energy away from the lights
    Bladdy good idea. That I can do.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    but once again you proved me wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by cassina View Post
    I was hit by one such driver while remaining in the view of their mirror.

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