Author Topic: Weak headlight, is it just me?? (Read 5279 times)

Nige · « **on:** April 14, 2005, 09:04:32 PM »

I was just thinking, is it just me or does the B400 have a really pathetic headlight??
Anyone have any good tips on a different headlight, something stronger would be so much safer. I have to say though, I'm not a fan of the twin bug eyed spot lights alot of people change to, too...bug-like

Nigel

PitterB4 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2005, 09:15:10 PM »

I have heard of people having good luck with Sylvania Silverstars.

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2005, 09:52:38 PM »

It's a standard H4 isn't it? There's tons of upgrades out there for H4. Just be sure if you go with a high output bulb you don't go so high as to start melting wires. Heavier power wire and a relay will let you run just about any wattage you want though.

Maybe you've just got a pathetic bulb, weak ground or weak charging system?

JmuRiz · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2005, 11:54:14 PM »

I always thought my headlight sucked too, I just try not to ride at night so much.
But yes, if it's a 50/65 bulb, be sure to add a relay if you go to a 65/100 watt. From tails on the porsche boards, many a people retrofitting their older cars have burnt up some wires...better safe that sorry. A relay and you'll be OK.

Thief400 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2005, 12:03:36 AM »

I have run a 85/100 watt bulb in mine since it was a week old and never had a problem with the wiring. I'm not saying a relay isn't a good idea just don't think you have to go to the trouble

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2005, 12:47:30 AM »

I wouldn't worry too much about a relay for a mild upgrade, but 100w may be pushing your luck. I put 90/110w bulbs in my Jeep and managed to smoke a light switch and the wires were pretty warm... and it's wires are heavier duty than what's on my B12.

Nige · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2005, 08:04:24 AM »

Yeah, I think I'll stick in a relay and a 85-100 watt bulb, it gets foggy around here quite alot so it would be a good idea. Next step, new indicators and break lights, anyone for LED's??

echomadman · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2005, 09:04:57 AM »

odd, i think the headlight on my b250 is fantastic, the sv's in comparison are scary, maybe the previous owner stuck in a higher wattage bulb already.

Krautwagen · « **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2005, 08:43:21 PM »

I run 7" Hella european spec lamp housings in anything that will allow it (my Bandit, and 2 of them in my Rabbit). It is a direct swap, they can be had new for $40-$60. Put in a nice legal bulb (I love my Silverstars), and you're set. The beam pattern is much much much much better than the crappy stock housing. Nice sharp cutoff with a slight flare to the upper-right. Basically same beam dispersion as Mecedes HID's.

Maniac · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2005, 02:18:31 AM »

A 7" lamp will fit into the Bandit 400's housing?

http://www.jwspeaker.com/catalog/forward_lighting/model_8100.htm# would be awesome, definatly couldn't complain about weak lamps then! A tad bit expensive, though...

badidou · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2005, 04:50:24 AM »

that's fffffffffffffffffff expensive

TheKillerB · « **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2005, 07:26:36 PM »

Quote from: "badidou"

that's fffffffffffffffffff expensive

No kidding!! I can't imagine putting a $400 beam on my b4. I'll stick with my SV headlight.

Krautwagen · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2005, 12:22:32 AM »

Quote from: "Maniac"

A 7" lamp will fit into the Bandit 400's housing?
quote]

Yup