Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 250 & 400 => Topic started by: Nige on April 14, 2005, 09:04:32 PM

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: 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  :wink:

Nigel

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: PitterB4 on April 14, 2005, 09:15:10 PM

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

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: Red01 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?

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: JmuRiz 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.

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: Thief400 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

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: Red01 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.

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: Nige 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??

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: echomadman 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.

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: Krautwagen 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.

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: Maniac 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...

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: badidou on April 17, 2005, 04:50:24 AM

:stop:  :duh: that's fffffffffffffffffff expensive

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: TheKillerB on April 17, 2005, 07:26:36 PM

Quote from: "badidou"

:stop:  :duh: that's fffffffffffffffffff expensive

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

Title: Weak headlight, is it just me??
Post by: Krautwagen on April 20, 2005, 12:22:32 AM

Quote from: "Maniac"

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

Yup