Best Headlight Anyone?

[cheftay]

Hey everyone,

What are some of your alls opinions on headlights for the XS650?

I know mikes sells halogen kits( $32) as well as the blue replacement bulb($8)... there are 2 different 7" kits and then a conversion kit.

Are there other options besides these?

Thanks guys!

.cheftay

[inxs]

- with a little creativity you can mount any headlight you take a fancy too, even those including switches, signal lights, gauges, modern leds, older bulbs etc...if you go compact you will need to think about where you put the cabling thats hidden inside them - this can often be carefully laid along the frame under the tank...self-made simplified looms make this easier too

[retiredgentleman]

I just use a Slyvania H6024 Halogen from Walmart. 40/60 watts. I prefer to use a 40 watt low beam rather than a 55 watt low beam................it reduces the electrical load on the alternator.

[cheftay]

Okay cool! I don't think I'm gonna get creative really, just still with the 7inch assembly. I just was a nice bright light that I won't have any problems with.

From walmart really?
Is the 40 watt low beam pretty bright still?

Thanks!

.cheftay

[pumps]

On my XS I haven't swapped it out yet but on my old 79' KZ650SR Kawasaki I did the halogen headlight conversion and it was a big difference. I don't ride at night a lot but if I have to I sure want to see.

[cheftay]

The conversion kit from mikes looks pretty nice. Is it just the bulb casing with the removable bulb?

[Gordon]

Chef, I believe that Mike's is the whole bulb assy. with a replaceable bulb. In other word's, Just like a sealed beam but uses an H4/9003 bulb. I have a similar type from a '79, with a 60/130 watt bulb. I'm getting a little "older", so the higher wattage really help's at night. I switch the headlite 'off' during day time riding. I installed a toggle switch on the low beam circut, & when I switch it 'off', the lamp checker come's into play & turn's the highbeam on at half of the voltage. So I still have a 'daytime running lamp', but it is very dim, just enough of an orange glow for the cage runner's to see me. I also have a voltmeter from Mike's installed,& have not had any charging system problem's since I repaired the bad engine to frame connection.

[blue900]

I end up riding mine in the dark quite a Bit, I detested the stock one, I felt I was over driving it bad at 55, Just showed some small spots on the Road, On a whim I bought a Candle Power Brand Light assembly from the Local Motorbike, 4 wheeler, snowmobile everything parts store. Its H-4 P43T 60/55 and has replaceable bulb and fits the stock bucket. The H-4 Light pattern is amazing and Truly wonderful, you can see the road in front of you and its much safer than the stock one. For sure it takes more power, I have an LED tail light. They are listed in the Dennis Kirk Catolog.

[cheftay]

Gordon that sounds like a really nice setup! I think I'm gonna go ahead and get the halogen lamp kit from mikes. I'd like to get the voltmeter too but I think i'm gonna hold off.. So far My charging system hasn't had any problems. I installed a brand new wiring harness a couple months ago and it's been okay so far.

Blue900, it looks like you're in love with the H4 so I think it'll work perfect for what I need, Thanks!

[donmillerx]

I picked up the 7" lamp kit from mikes, don't love it and now i'm actually looking for a headlamp with a built in speedo...

[cheftay]

why aren't you pleased with it?

[XSLeo]

I'm using the same lense bulb unit that Blue900 is using. Not only is it bright it throws more light in front of you and less out too the sides and on your feet. On low beam it throws a spot up and to the right, this helps you see the edge of the street and side walk better. Lets you see the people and animals over there before they get on the street.
Before I did the mods to the charging system and cleaned up the switches the extra draw from the headlight made keeping the battery charged. I have converted my brake/tail light and turnsignals to LED's, very bright and almost no current draw. This compensates for the extra from the headlight.
I was having trouble with bad grounds on the headlight, this was blowing the bulb. I was in Harbor Freight and saw a headlight bulb in there for like $4.99, It was a 55/65 watt, it is a very white light with a slight blue tint. I really like the light, how long it will last is the only thing.

[KevC]

How about a nice Cibie 7" unit, had one years ago in a Honda CB200 and it was a massive improvement
Cibie 7" light unit

Kev

[XS1961]

I just use the Lucas style( A la Triumph/Norton) with 55/60W car-type bulb ...Loadsa room in the bowl for wiring & a sandwich ...Looks nice 'n 'classic' .. Around £35 all in

[Los D]

Gordon, how are you liking this headlight setup. They look great/clean, and I was considering one for my '74.

[donmillerx]

Looks great man...
that's what i was looking for.

[cheftay]

Do you guys know anything about IPF headlights? They're mainly a 4x4 off-roading company but they claim to make some pretty BA headlights...

http://arbusa.com/Products/Lights/He...ements/23.aspx

[Gordon]

I really like that assy. Nice & clean look. I also like the signal & neutral lamp's in the original guage mount's, very innovated.

[KevC]

Originally Posted by cheftay

Do you guys know anything about IPF headlights? They're mainly a 4x4 off-roading company but they claim to make some pretty BA headlights...

cheftay
dont know anything about IPF apart from what you prob already know, Australian company, designed for offroad so shoud be tough & seem to have a good reputation.
There are a few threads over at the garage on Mikes conversion
xs650 garage headlamp conversion thread

Also JC Whitney do a few
JC Whitney Headlight Conversion Kit

Kev

[XS1961]

Mine..