Author Topic: Headlights for Dummies (Read 2720 times)

Sven · « **on:** September 26, 2007, 08:31:17 PM »

I don't recall ever having to replace a headlight before (on any vehicle). My buddy with the ZRX 1100 has just had the 2nd one go out in the past couple years, and it got me looking into his options, and I realize I don't understand headlamp parts numbers. I see numbers like 9001 and H4 and H7 and 9003. But it looks like these are used in different combinations. Obviously there are tons of cars and motorcycles out there, and most likely they are sharing a pool of common lamps.

So can someone just sort of summarize how this works? Are all H4s (for example) interchangable, whether they are on a Jeep or a motorcycle, and then it's just a matter of which brand or model you want (that is, do you want a Philips, or a halogen, or a xenon, etc.?)

B6mick · « **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2007, 08:05:04 AM »

In one word YES.

H4's of all sorts, are just that H4's
As is H3's etc etc
Don't know about any problems on the ZRX head lights,
as the stock square unit was removed before I got mine on the road. But I have noticed with mine if I use cheap H4 units I blow them pretty quick, but quailty units have lasted a couple of years now.

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2007, 11:10:20 AM »

Recently, I put a Baja Designs H4 headlight on my XR650L. (It came into my hands with the OEM unit missing.) The original 35w/35w BD's H4 bulb had the low beam inop from day 1 and the high beam only lasted ~20 minutes. I replaced it with a 55w/65w H4 bulb pirated out of my Jeep's spares (it currently uses 100w/130w H4's). So far, it's still working fine.

As for your '03 B12, it uses a 9005 (HB3) high beam and a 9006 (HB4) low beam bulb. Any automotive equivalent can be used. With minor trimming to one tab these can be exchanged for 9011 & 9012 HIR bulbs (as found on Dodge Vipers before they went to HID lights). My personal experience with these are they are much better than the 9005/9006.
See this thread in the FAQ for more info.

Sven · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2007, 07:30:21 PM »

OK, so an H1 is the same size size/fitment, etc. no matter who makes it.

Is this also true of the numbers? Are all HB3s also 9005s, or is 9005 a model number from a specific manufacturer?

This link to the 2G "S" headlamp upgrade thread is interesting...I remember seeing it in the past, but since I not yet needed to replace anything other than a taillight (car or motorcycle), I hadn't really gone looking for the info.

Thanks guys!

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2007, 05:36:40 PM »

Yes, all H1 lamps must meet the same dimensional criteria for length, base, electrical connection, etc. They can come in different wattages though.

And yes, HB3 & 9005 is the same lamp with two names.
IIRC, HB3 is a Euro spec and 9005 is SAE.

Sven · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2007, 06:58:20 PM »

Y'know, even with having two numbering schemes, this still beats the variety of other automive lamps out there. The the 15,000 different Sylvania bulbs that can all be used as taillights in the Bandit/CR-V.

Gee, I'm *almost* looking forward to shopping for new headlamps now that I'm more educated on them. I guess it would be smart to have them around ahead of time for when needed.

solman · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2007, 05:29:26 PM »

I got a problem, according to this, I am missing a bulb!

I just had my assembly apart and it only had space for one bulb. So where does the other one go?

PaulVS · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2007, 05:34:24 PM »

Quote from: "solman"

I got a problem, according to this, I am missing a bulb! I just had my assembly apart and it only had space for one bulb. So where does the other one go?

The 2nd Gen (01-05) Bandit 600s & 1200s WITH fairings take the 9006 (or HB4) hi-beam bulb, and 9005 (HB3) lo-beam bulb.

The same bandits without fairings (naked) take a single H4 dual-filiment bulb that is both lo and hi beam.

solman · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2007, 10:15:01 PM »

Quote from: "PaulVS"

Quote from: "solman"

I got a problem, according to this, I am missing a bulb! I just had my assembly apart and it only had space for one bulb. So where does the other one go?

The 2nd Gen (01-05) Bandit 600s & 1200s WITH fairings take the 9006 (or HB4) hi-beam bulb, and 9005 (HB3) lo-beam bulb.

The same bandits without fairings (naked) take a single H4 dual-filiment bulb that is both lo and hi beam.

I actually knew that, just tried to throw a curve ball out there.