1976 KZ400 lightbulb info

Hopefully someone can help...
The stock bulb on my 76 KZ400 is really dim and kinda crappy, and I was hoping to get a suggestion for a swappable, brighter output bulb. Halogen would be great do someone knows of one that would be compatible, but any improvement would be much appreciated. Thanks!

If not already done, would charge battery overnight and measure voltage between the terminals.

Then measure voltage at the socket where the headlight plugs in, this being to assure that the headlight socket is receiving full battery voltage, undiminished by faulty wiring, connectors and/or switches.

Regardless of the type headlight fitted, it's going to shine brightest when receiving full battery voltage.

To check the bike's charging system, measure battery voltage between its terminals with engine running at idle rpm and again at 3000~4000 rpm.

Look for 13+ volts at idle and 14~15 volts at 3000~4000 rpm.

The higher voltage is what the headlight should also be receiving at running speeds.

Good Fortune!

Mjsenz wrote:

Hopefully someone can help...
The stock bulb on my 76 KZ400 is really dim and kinda crappy, and I was hoping to get a suggestion for a swappable, brighter output bulb. Halogen would be great do someone knows of one that would be compatible, but any improvement would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Is this a standard 7" round headlight?

If so, there are easy drop in sealed beam halogen replacements like the GE H6024 I am running or similar equivalent. Uses same power as stock but is about 3X as bright.

If it is not a 7" round headlight, there are many halogen sealed beam units available for various sizes.

I swapped out to a 7" sylvania silverstar on my xs650 and it was night and day....no pun intended. These stock headlights have only a few candlepower at best. Id upgrade for sure.

His headlight might not be the 7" standard. My guess is that it's 6-3/8".
One place you can try is CandlePower.com... others have mentioned using them.
Go to the motorcycle section.

By the way it might be a good idea to get something intended for a motorcycle.
I believe the beam pattern on an mc is different (wider?) than on a car... so that you can see deer & whatnot sooner.

JMKZHI wrote:

...good idea to get something intended for a motorcycle. I believe the beam pattern on an mc is different (wider?) than on a car... so that you can see deer & whatnot sooner.

Some sellers of motorcycle headlights say (or once said) that headlights designed for motorcycles have stronger filaments, more resistant to shaking and vibration.

However, the standard automotive headlights haven't been an issue for me, and seem to be reasonably durable.

Good Fortune!

Patton wrote:

JMKZHI wrote:

...good idea to get something intended for a motorcycle. I believe the beam pattern on an mc is different (wider?) than on a car... so that you can see deer & whatnot sooner.

Some sellers of motorcycle headlights say (or once said) that headlights designed for motorcycles have stronger filaments, more resistant to shaking and vibration.

I read that too but I think it's an excuse to gouge more money. I have run the car headlights for about 25 years, never had one fail in service (both failed due to accident).