Forum

[Pecon]

I decided to replace the aging headlight bulb on my '94 Bullet as it was, to be charitable, week. A direct replacement with a 36W bulb made no discernable difference so I went to my local motor factor and picked up a H4 light unit and bulb. The first problem I ran into was that the bulb connector hit the speedo cable so I "solved" this by bending the bulb blades and wiring them individually. However although there was a huge increase in light output the ammeter went straight to the minus side and stayed there when running.

I was wondering if anyone knew of an LED replacement, either H4 or better yet BPF?. When I did a google search there were a number but most appeared to be from China. Some had a heat sink which would definitely rule out the H4 for me unless there is a shallow light unit available?. I did come across a site which sold some for vintage cars but at £50 I decided to keep looking.

[stainer]

hi pecon,have alook at the catalogue page 74ish bulb there to suit cheers phil

[simon]

A mate has just put a 6v LED headlamp bulb in his 57 Velocette Venom. Its a very bright bluish light but draws a tiny amount so he can ride with it all day without flogging his generator. Ive yet to see what sort of light it casts at night.

[Steve T]

If you're having a problem with space behind the headlight our hosts do this deeper headlight rim that maybe of help Number 93566.

[Scalyback]

Pete at dynamo and regulator conversions does dippable ones BPF and H4. OK for day, nice bright white headlamp, but I am still testing after dark against a 36W halogen BPF

[Pecon]

Thanks for all the replies.

Phil: I found the page you mentioned but they all seem to be halogen and I'm not sure if my system is going to struggle with one.

Simon: To be honest I don't do much (any) night riding so any improvement in daylight will work for me.

Steve T: That rim will be ideal if I have to use the new lens, looks like there will be plenty of clearance with it.

Scalyback: Just sent off a query, thanks for the link

[25Tom]

Hmm - I hadn't realised there might be a problem with heat-sink sticking out of the back of the 'dynamo-conversions' LED and I don't think the 93566 deep headlight rim fits on my 2016 C5. A quick look on amazon turned up a 'motorcycle h4 led bulb' that appears to have a little cooling fan on the front of the unit (i.e. venting warm air towards the headlamp lens) and looks like a standard H4 at the rear. Maybe that might be worth a try.

[25Tom]

Oh,just looked again at 'dynamo-conversions'. Their newest H4 LED headlamp bulb (with heat-sink) says 'fits MOST motorcycles with speedo in the headlight... check measurements', but they also have an older design for half the price, with flexible heat dissipation bands instead of a heat-sink, which they say 'fits ALL motorcycles with speedo in the headlight'. So I guess that's the one to go for if in doubt. Half as bright, but half the price and still brighter and whiter than standard.

[Scalyback]

I have those in Kevin the meteor minor and Tornado my bullet. Both have the earlier style cascette also used in Indian bullets.

The BPF bulbs are an exact replacement. I am still awaiting a good chance to compare a 36W halogen with the dippable LED, but I have a feeling that the LED might not be quite as good as I thought, but do await results. I should be able to go test wed. night.

Most of my bulbs (excepting two front indicator and indicator tell tale) are LED. When I switch the headlamp (+ tail, pilot and speedo light (tasty green for Tornado) I don't notice any deflection on the ammeter, which is a vast saving on the halogen headlamp which scoffs electricity like a BSA scoffs oil.(wait for the storm!). I am hoping that the LED will outdo or at least equal the halogen, as it puts significantly less load on the charging system.

[Scalyback]

I have those in Kevin the meteor minor and Tornado my bullet. Both have the earlier style cascette also used in Indian bullets.

The BPF bulbs are an exact replacement. I am still awaiting a good chance to compare a 36W halogen with the dippable LED, but I have a feeling that the LED might not be quite as good as I thought, but do await results. I should be able to go test wed. night.

Most of my bulbs (excepting two front indicator and indicator tell tale) are LED. When I switch the headlamp (+ tail, pilot and speedo light (tasty green for Tornado) I don't notice any deflection on the ammeter, which is a vast saving on the halogen headlamp which scoffs electricity like a BSA scoffs oil.(wait for the storm!). I am hoping that the LED will outdo or at least equal the halogen, as it puts significantly less load on the charging system.