'82 KZ1000J - will it handle dual headlights?

Will the charging/electrical system handle two headlights? I would be running H4 lights in both. Any thoughts?

What wattage? two(2)35 watts or (2) 50 watts?

Let's say (2) 35 watt bulbs for a total of 70 watts. To figure current(Amps) the formula is W/E or 70/12 with 12 being the voltage. Using a calculator it figures out to 5.83333 or lets say 6 amps.

If you're going with 2 50 watt bulbs, the formula is the same, W/E or 100/12 equals 8.3333 or 9 amps current draw. Either way, a relay will be needed as the headlight switch electrical contacts will quicklt burn out from overload. The headlight circuit could be used on the relay's energizing coil circuit.

Relay Types & Wiring Information
www.the12volt.com/
www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_do_i_check_a_relay.htm


The charging system might support it, but if it were me, I'd get an upgraded alternator and regulator/rectifier from www.electrosport.com as they are designed to produce more power at lower rpm's than what the stock system does.

If you do decide to go with the dual H4 bulbs, the next minor problem might be in locating a location to mount the relay. Try to install it inside an enclosure to reduce water/moisture corrosion on the electrical connections.

www.mcmelectronics.com/product/26-1942 (A prewired relay connector and relays)


Driving Light Mounts & Wiring
www.gadgetjq.com/wiredrivinglights.htm
www.shadowstuff.com/links/products_light_mount.htm
www.valueaccessories.net/Light%20Bar%20Wiring.htm
www.demonscycle.com/Lights-and-Blinkers/...or-p6205748-1-2.html
LED Driving Lights
www.webbikeworld.com/lights/motorcycle-driving-lights/
www.webbikeworld.com/lights/
www.whitehorsegear.com/bikevis-bullets
www.whitehorsegear.com/cree-high-intesity-led-running-lights
www.jpcycles.com/product/3100441

MFolks

Thank for your response. I have been studying and shopping your links all morning! Great resources. Thanks again.

Mark

Happy I could offer advise/where to shop. I love a good motorcycle electrical mystery now and then.

u may want to consider 2 hid lights. they are 35watts and u could run 1 for low and the other for high beam. then no relay required.

I used to run a second 55W halogen driving light when I cruised the freeway late night. I would not touch the horn or turn signals while I had both lights on.

You can free up some alternator wattage by replacing your brake light, turn signals, running lights with LED types.

Flash alternatively(as in an astable),faster than persistance of vision.
No net increase in current consumption.
I think.:whistle:

SPARKY47 wrote: Flash alternatively(as in an astable),faster than persistance of vision.
No net increase in current consumption.
I think.:whistle:

With incandescents? I doubt persistence of vision would be a problem.

Bulb life on the other hand, just might :laugh:

A little complicated though.

Now if you have about $400 (or was that each?) to spare for a pair of LED headlights, power consumption wouldn't be a problem.

Great thread. I look forward to doing some further reading. The possibilities are endless.