Watt Bike Head
Update the headlight bulb on a motorcycle Suzuki VX800
I have a Suzuki VX800 motorcycle, and like many of the old bicycle headlamp individual the light output or beam in both the main beam is poor. The low spending limits visible distance at night, and so the speed limit, and also means that the effect blinding oncoming vehicles is more pronounced.
I opted for a light bulb Osram Night Breaker 90%, with an appropriate H4 suitable for cycling. These bulbs is to provide 90% more light, but still fit in a standard installation, and point to the normal 60/55 watt. This means they are a replacement directly to the existing standard headlamp bulb. I consider upgrading to an HID Xenon headlamp, but an appropriate upgrade kit costs considerably more, and requires the addition of a drive ballast rewiring the bulb.
Fitting the new Night Breaker headlight bulb Osram
The process for changing the bulb is exactly the same as for most single light 'naked' motorcycle. Here's a quick summary:
- First job was trying to enter the Osram Night Breaker packaging! Remove the paper cover all, click on the top of the box to disengage, and gradually work half of the front and the rear half of separation. They are held together by tabs at the top and bottom, and take a little force to get apart.
- Loosen the screws headlight unit - on this bike, are on the sides of the headlight unit (arrow). The screws can corrode, in which case apply some oil penetrating and wait 10 minutes to prevent the heads of rounding. Be careful not to disturb the smallest screw in front. This is used to adjust the angle of the beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Once unscrewed, the lighthouse group pull forward of the rear cover.
- Disconnect Power cables headlamp bulb, and the parking light bulb. Once done, you can remove rubber waterproof cover and unscrew the retaining ring counterclockwise in a small amount.
- Now remove the existing bulb and replace it by Osram Night Breaker +90%. Be careful not to touch any part of the cup with the fingers, such as dirt or oil lamp can cause overheating and possibly shatter. The H4 bulb will only go one way round to ensure the main beam and working properly.
- Replacement is the opposite of removal. Place the retaining ring on the adapter and turn right to block a small amount in place. Replace the cover rubber waterproofing and ensure a better fit to the body of the lighthouse. Remove the drive again the bike and re-connect the headlights and parking light connectors power. Place the headlight unit back into the back cover, making sure the screw line holes. Replace the screws, being careful not to over-tighten.
Does it work?
Now for the moment of truth is the additional cost to switch night +90% Osram bulb worth it? I have done a before and after the shot. In both cases, the camera was locked to the same settings (1/500th at F4) so that you can compare the light output.
You can view images before and after appears to be a considerable increase in light output.
In practice, walks through the countryside of Dorset, on a dark night, the new bulb gives much greater visibility over long distances, giving reflections of traffic signals and cat eyes a huge distance on straight roads. Even beam, the extra light gives a better visibility of the surface of the road ahead when facing the traffic. Nobody shined or otherwise indicated that the new lights were blinding them, so that the distribution of light has not been affected.
The beam is much easier to see more in the corners. The light is brighter and whiter allowing a greater dispersion, so that even objects not in the direct path is more visible. For a cost of £ 17.50 for a couple of bulbs AutobulbsDirect (I found a spare), this has to be the most cost effective upgrades you've done!
About the Author
Jonathan Elder is a web site writer for a group of companies including:
- Autobulbs Direct - Online retailer of car light bulbs, wiper blades and accessories
- HIDs4U - Online retail of Xenon HID Convdersion Kits
- WiperBlades4u - Online retailer of Wiper Blades
- eWayDesigns - Website, online shopping and eBay listing developers
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