headlights

[Aiolos]

So here I am, browsing trademe, when I see some xenon bulbs reasonably cheap. Hmmm, the RG needs new headlights, the old ones are starting to get really dim. But no, things are never that simple. I have stumbled into a world of horror and confusion. What the heck is H4? Or 9003? Et cetera.
Can somebody help me? What kind should I buy for the ol' RG?

[Sparky Bills]

Have a look on the bulbs in your bike.
It should have "h4 12v 35/55w" or similar.
H4 is what kind of bulb it is. Any auto shop eg Repco, any bike shop have them. Not all bikes and cars have the same bulbs in them though, so make sure you check!
I know that ZXR250's have different bulbs in them. H6 is the closest but even they dont fit right.
My Gixer had H4's, so I think you'll be safe.
So keep that in mind.
Good luck

[Aiolos]

All the pictures of H4 bulbs I have seen have 3 posts at the bottom for the wires. Mine just has two (I think they are zinc) contacts, muct like a household light bulb. Does this mean I need take the old fitting off and attach some of those plug doohickys?

[Bonez]

So here I am, browsing trademe, when I see some xenon bulbs reasonably cheap. Hmmm, the RG needs new headlights, the old ones are starting to get really dim.

Tried cleaning the h/l lense?

[Aiolos]

Everything is all clean, but the filaments are a bit black and burnt looking.

[White trash]

Everything is all clean, but the filaments are a bit black and burnt looking.

What you have is a "Bosche" type bulb. They are ugly, expensive and low wattage.

45/45 is as strong as we get them.

[Aiolos]

Ick. Is there any (easy) way I can change that?

[White trash]

Nope. Sorry

[Blackbird]

If you're going to step up the wattage substantially, make sure your alternator can handle it. This isn't normally a problem, but is worth a cautionary check in your manual or with a dealer.

The other thing to watch is headlight shape if you haven't got a round one. The reason I mention this is that I have 100W twin halogens in the Blackbird and whilst they are superb on main highways, they are only marginally better in the twisty stuff because the headlight lens shape gives a very sharp cut-off, particularly when leaned over.

All depends on what you perceive as the need for better lighting!

Geoff

[Aiolos]

Thanks for the replies, I'll go down to the bike shop and have a look.
Damn stupid indonesian bikes.

[Jamezo]

Thanks for the replies, I'll go down to the bike shop and have a look.
Damn stupid indonesian bikes.

you take that back!

RG150 = teh ownz0r!

[F5 Dave]

Tis likely the RG has a plain incy bulb. The good news is they are available as Halogens.

On a couple of bikes thus fitted (with same Bosch fitting like my RG50) I replaced with a bulb from a Yamaha Blaster (quad). The way to tell if you already have a halogen is the tip will be pointed, like a snowfreeze. A plain bulb will be round.

Too hot of a wattage would just melt the plastic anyhow. DR200s apparently did this when farmers left them running while tending a gate or sheep or whatever & the headlight falls off as too hot a bulb & no airflow.

Make sure all connections are clean including the bulb to headlight surface.
A relay would remove any drop in voltage through the ignition/dip switch/wire. Just done this to the RF as was losing 1.3V between battery & bulb (hold a voltmeter between (+) on battery & bulb connection (Change dip switch to correct filliment).

[Aiolos]

you take that back!

RG150 = teh ownz0r!

Yeah, what I meant was, damn stupid Indonesian headlights

And I get my new bt45's on thursday (sorry to all those who reccommended mt75's but I couldn't be bothered traveling to a shop that would get them for me)

[Aiolos]

The way to tell if you already have a halogen is the tip will be pointed, like a snowfreeze. A plain bulb will be round.

Mine are round ones.

[F5 Dave]

Sweet. You can get Halogens in 35W which will be a nice improvement. Maybe you can get 45s. I thought 35s were the biggest available, I could be wrong.

Trashy were yours Halogens?