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H4 headlight upgrade

  • Thread starter Thread starter klrmtn
  • Start date Start date
So much for end of next week, the package was on my desk before 9am this morning. I'll try to install it on my lunch break and see how it looks. FYI, it came with a bulb although I don't remember it being advertised as including one. Not bad for $17.

edit: Looks good, install was as simple as it could be. I had the old one out and the new unit in its place in about 15 minutes, all while talking to a friend with a cell phone in one hand. Plugged right in and fired up. I'll post about light output tonight or tomorrow (this is with the included bulb, not a Silverstar).
 
It was from JC Whitney. I didn't see anything to complain about quality wise.
 
I just looked at the JC Whitney site and saw the H4 conversion. I'm quite interested in replacing my sealed unit, but I'm running a 1980 GS850GL w/o any sort of fairing.

I just have the standard OEM headlamp housing. The JC Whitney site says "NOTE: 5-3/4" round headlight fits fairing mounts only; will not fit in OEM headlight case." Seems pretty clear to me, but is there any way around this?
 
Does the 850 not come with the standard 7" housing? That's what mine had.
 
j2x said:
I just looked at the JC Whitney site and saw the H4 conversion. I'm quite interested in replacing my sealed unit, but I'm running a 1980 GS850GL w/o any sort of fairing.

I just have the standard OEM headlamp housing. The JC Whitney site says "NOTE: 5-3/4" round headlight fits fairing mounts only; will not fit in OEM headlight case." Seems pretty clear to me, but is there any way around this?
Click to expand...

You're looking at the wrong H4 conversion ... JC Whitney sells several items, depending on what you have on the bike ... you obviously want the 7". Also, not all fairings use the smaller one you're looking at. My Vetter Windjammer uses the same 7" unit as my bike...

Here's the link to the one you want...

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...Id-100000165788/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000165788

Regards,
Steve 8)
 
That was the one I was looking at... 55-Watt H-4 Halogen Cycle Headlight, 7" Round- Item #ZX139314A.

It says at the end of it's product description: "NOTE: 5-3/4" round headlight fits fairing mounts only; will not fit in OEM headlight case."

:?:
 
Ah, no worries. It's a generic description, they also sell a 5 3/4" headlight - that statement doesn't apply to the 7" version.

click here
Makes more sense if you look at that link
 
I saw that disclaimer too, but figured you had seen the 7" designation at the bottom ... in any case, not to worry -- you apparently found the one you need!

Regards,
Steve 8)
 
I still need to fine tune the aim a bit, but light output is already dramatically better than what I had before. Add that to cheaper replacement bulbs (that can be installed easier and are small enough to carry a spare) and there's NO REASON not to switch. I can't wait to try a Silverstar.
 
fastpakr said:
I can't wait to try a Silverstar.
Click to expand...

Pepboys has a sale going this week that includes a great deal on a pair of Silverstar bulbs! I'm going to check it out and see if they have the various kinds I need.

You won't be disappointed with the Silverstar investment!!

Regards,
Steve 8)
 
Thanks, I'll look them up. Of course, the $1500 repair on the MB and a new riding jacket for my fiance may hold me up for a little while...
 
I purchased the CRC2 light as I stated and recieved it within 2 days. Very easy to install and seems to be of good quality. The plug connected right up. The only problem was adding some electrical tape spacers to keep the light tight after turning the retaining ring. Not a big deal and it is very stable now. Thanks for all of the input.
Jason
 
Did the CRC2 light have a brand name on it? I'd be curious to see if they're selling the same unit.
 
I lost my low beam on the NY trip last week. Should I just find another stock bulb for it or is there some other route that is better? I have always been happy with the sealed beam on my 78 GS1000 bikes. I need the lowest cost solution. I though I would post in here rather than starting another thread since this is the subject here.

And if stock, were is the best place to get a new headlamp for my bike?
 
Mark, the H4 upgrade is only $17 plus shipping. It lets you carry a spare, replacement bulbs are cheaper and can be bought in any auto parts store, etc... Why even consider sticking with the sealed beam unit?
 
If you just have the generic 7" round unit like my 750 does, then that's it. Easy swap with improved lightput as soon as you're done. With the small size you can just throw a spare in a protective case (I need to grab a spare bulb and see what fits... film canister?).

Of course, somewhere recently I found a place selling an HID conversion for like $300 or $400 bucks, if you REALLY want to spend some money.
 
Thx for the info. I'll be getting one. Cheap is good. I don't really care about the brightness. The old bulb was fine for me.
 
Mark, once you go H4 and eventually Silverstar, stock will NEVER be good enough for you ... the difference is THAT dramatic!

Enjoy,
Steve 8)
 
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