Headlight replacement

Hey guys i know that there are a few headlight posts and what not and i have got alot of usefull info off of them. I have a 1977 KZ750B Twin and it still has the original sealed beam headlight with the 3 prong connector, and as you can guess its pathetic its rated at 12v 50/35w. Ive got factory manual but does not state the size of the round buld. What recomendations would u guys give? And what is the max wattage i could go up to without haveing to add relays and extra fusses and what not. JCwhitney has the 7" round Halogen conversion which looks good but it is 55w/60w to high? From the sounds of wiredgeorge i would be ok going that high but no more. Or maybe go to a new sealed beam one but i cant find any ones around, and ideas where? Thanks guys i appreciate it and the OEM headlight is very crummy

Whheezzzz wrote:

Hey guys i know that there are a few headlight posts and what not and i have got alot of usefull info off of them. I have a 1977 KZ750B Twin and it still has the original sealed beam headlight with the 3 prong connector, and as you can guess its pathetic its rated at 12v 50/35w. Ive got factory manual but does not state the size of the round buld. What recomendations would u guys give?

Throw that original headlight in the trash and buy a sealed beam halogen replacement headlight. They drop right in and attach to the standard connector, put out at least 3X the light. I have had one on my 750 twin for 30 years now.

I think as long as you don't go over about 65 - 70W you should have no problems.

Here is one type:

www.bulbman.com/index.php?main_page=prod...fo&products_id=13440



This one's cheaper:

www.bulbs.com/eSpec.aspx?ID=13760&Ref=Category&RefId=13

will this work on a 78 kz1000 also?

NickW900LTD wrote:

will this work on a 78 kz1000 also?

If it uses the standard 7" round headlight bucket it will fit.

One thing for sure, whatever you do use a bulb made for motorcycles, through a reputable motorcycle parts supplier. Is JC Whitney reputable? I question it as they sell a lot of junk, some parts ok, some garbage so I don't trust them particularly. See what Jeff at Z1 enterprises may have and buy there if possible.
If you buy a bulb made for autos it won't last a week generally on a motorcycle. I put halogens in a couple bikes 20 or more years ago I think like 55/60w and have had no problem, but they still are not going to light the road like daylight, still very limited in that respect.

RonKZ650 wrote:

One thing for sure, whatever you do use a bulb made for motorcycles, through a reputable motorcycle parts supplier. Is JC Whitney reputable? I question it as they sell a lot of junk, some parts ok, some garbage so I don't trust them particularly. See what Jeff at Z1 enterprises may have and buy there if possible.
If you buy a bulb made for autos it won't last a week generally on a motorcycle. I put halogens in a couple bikes 20 or more years ago I think like 55/60w and have had no problem, but they still are not going to light the road like daylight, still very limited in that respect.

I have always bought GE and Sylvania auto 7" halogen lamps for my 750. I have run them for about 25 years and have yet to see one of the lights fail from use, I have replaced two in that time period and they both broke when the bike went down.

As for JC Whitney: depends on the item. I have bought a ton of stuff from them and the overall quality has been pretty good. I have never ordered lights from them.

I generally buy bulbs in town because they are so cheap that ordering them off line doesn't save money. I have never paid more than about $8 for a standard 7" halogen headlamp.

I replaced the stock lamp on both my '78 and '82 KZ1000s with auto halogen lamps from an auto parts store. I've had no problems with them.

Awesome guys, that helps out tons! thanks for those links i never seen those sites before and they look like they have tons of bulbs,lights and stuff. ill take your suggestions and just go with the 7" inch sealed beam headlight and throw the old one to the birds thanks again guys for all your help this site rocks!