making my headlight brighter

XL777
Topic Author
Offline
User

11 Sep 2009 21:44 #320855 by XL777

making my headlight brighter was created by XL777

I was riding in the dark for the first time tonight and noticed the stock head light is really dim. Is there a way to increase the power going to the light if I were to get a higher output bulb?

2012 Triumph Bonneville SE black

1978 KZ1000 B2 LTD
Fresh top end rebuild
Rebuilt head
Wiseco 1015 pistons
Dyna s
Green Dyna coils
Wired george mod

It is easier to say what I haven't replaced then what I have.

I must love this cruel mistress since she hates me

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

mzandmz
Offline
User

11 Sep 2009 22:05 #320857 by mzandmz

Replied by mzandmz on topic making my headlight brighter

Make sure you stay in the legal limit for wattage.To bright in front means you'll have Two brights in rear(red and Blue)maybe even a noise like wooo wooo woooo.

New to Family, 1979 KZ440 LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

mzandmz
Offline
User

11 Sep 2009 22:09 #320858 by mzandmz

Replied by mzandmz on topic making my headlight brighter

How all your connections? Check voltage. Older Bikes like to eat up power through old connections causeing week volt/amprage making the head light dimmer then its suppose to be.

New to Family, 1979 KZ440 LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

bountyhunter
Offline
User

12 Sep 2009 00:13 - 12 Sep 2009 00:15 #320870 by bountyhunter

Replied by bountyhunter on topic making my headlight brighter

XL777 wrote:

I was riding in the dark for the first time tonight and noticed the stock head light is really dim. Is there a way to increase the power going to the light if I were to get a higher output bulb?

I can't see your bike front in the picture. If you have the stock 7" round headlight, it is like a retarded firefly. You can get a standard 7" round halogen that drops right in and uses the same 35/55W as the stock bulb but is about 3X as bright. You can get them everywhere like wallyworld or kragens.

1979 KZ-750 Twin

Last edit: 12 Sep 2009 00:15 by bountyhunter.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Old Man Rock
Offline
User

12 Sep 2009 06:47 #320904 by Old Man Rock

Replied by Old Man Rock on topic making my headlight brighter

With the head light OFF, what is the measured voltage (Vdc) at the Battery (+) in reference to ground?

With the head light ON, what is the measured voltage (Vdc) at the Battery (+) in reference to ground?

With the head light ON, what is the measured voltage (Vdc) at the head light bulb in reference to ground?

1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter

Phoenix, Az

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

MFolks
Offline
User

12 Sep 2009 11:47 #321063 by MFolks

Replied by MFolks on topic making my headlight brighter

Think about this too: If the headlight bulb wattage is increased, you will have an added increase in heat output.

Most bike's headlight housings are plastic and will melt/soften if say, you go to a 100 Watt high beam bulb.

Perhaps some aux driving lights controlled by a relay and wired into the headlight circuit are what you need.

Here's some ideas:
www.valueaccessories.net/Light%20Bar%20Wiring.htm

store.candlepower.com/ca53mohe.html

www.motorcyclehidlights.com/

www.jpcycles.com/Search/ProductDetail?sk...Ne=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=LED light&Ns=&results=10&No=

1982 GPZ1100 B2
General Dynamics/Convair 1983-1993
GLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk, AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

MFolks
Offline
User

12 Sep 2009 11:56 #321064 by MFolks

Replied by MFolks on topic making my headlight brighter

Another thought: If the headlight bulb is increased in Wattage, the switch gear may not be up to handle the increase in current without using a relay.

An alternator stator upgrade may be required to keep the charging system replenishing the battery at lower rpm's.
I think www.electrosport.com sells overwound stators that work at low engine speeds.

1982 GPZ1100 B2
General Dynamics/Convair 1983-1993
GLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk, AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

TexasKZ
Offline
Platinum Member

12 Sep 2009 12:40 #321078 by TexasKZ

Replied by TexasKZ on topic making my headlight brighter

Here's another option-
easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/H4_Kits/h4_kits.html

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

PLUMMEN
Offline
User

12 Sep 2009 13:27 #321092 by PLUMMEN

Replied by PLUMMEN on topic making my headlight brighter

you guys are thinking way to hard here,try a new halogen bulb first then see how you like it .no sense in tearing bike to pieces untill you try the easy fix! :laugh:

Still recovering,some days are better than others.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

TexasKZ
Offline
Platinum Member

12 Sep 2009 13:37 #321093 by TexasKZ

Replied by TexasKZ on topic making my headlight brighter

Where's the fun in that?

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Locozuna
Offline
User

12 Sep 2009 14:50 #321103 by Locozuna

Replied by Locozuna on topic making my headlight brighter

Soooooo
Let me get this straight.
Your headlight is a dimmy
and you want to make it brighter.

:laugh:

:huh:

:blink:

:pinch:

KZ900LTD, KZ750LTD, KZ650, 72'Triumph Trident
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied
"If you seek for Eldorado!"

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

bountyhunter
Offline
User

12 Sep 2009 23:07 - 12 Sep 2009 23:09 #321246 by bountyhunter

Replied by bountyhunter on topic making my headlight brighter

PLUMMEN wrote:

you guys are thinking way to hard here,try a new halogen bulb first then see how you like it .no sense in tearing bike to pieces untill you try the easy fix! :laugh:

Yeah, I was beginning to think my previous post was invisible....:laugh:

Those 7" round halogens are not only brighter, they are dirt cheap because so many cars use them.

1979 KZ-750 Twin

Last edit: 12 Sep 2009 23:09 by bountyhunter.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

making my headlight brighter

Forum Links