1979 CB650 Headlight

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saber
Posts: 40
Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2013 6:46 pm

1979 CB650 Headlight

Postby saber » Wed Dec 10, 2014 11:48 am

Hi Everyone,

My headlight low beam burnt out. I have a choice of replacing the headlight with an original closed beam Honda headlight or install a halogen H4 headlight. I would like to keep the bike original, but I do ride it back and forth to work and would like more light. How much brighter is the halogen light compared to the original light?

Thank You,
Saber

jcasey007
Posts: 225
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:38 pm
Location: Stratford Upon Avon - UK

Re: 1979 CB650 Headlight

Postby jcasey007 » Wed Dec 10, 2014 5:19 pm

the difference is amazing, get a good quality one (brand name) and the mirror will be good and the lens will have a good pattern. Don't go for a higher rating bulb as it will put too much strain on your wiring etc.

The light is whiter and bluer

FordMan
Posts: 130
Joined: Fri Jul 18, 2014 10:20 pm
Location: Southern Minnesota

Re: 1979 CB650 Headlight

Postby FordMan » Wed Dec 10, 2014 8:08 pm

I do not know if this applies here, but in theory it should.
How about running a "relay setup"?
where the headlight main power is fed directly from the battery, and only triggered by the normal key on or Hi switch? I haven't dug far enough into a CB harness to see how the power is fed, but a lower gauge, high stand wire should carry the load better, and provide higher light ouput.

I did a dual relay setup on my old 82 Mustang GT (they had weak, fire prone switches) and it seemed like the light output was nearly doubled. Plus it took all that high current and high heat out of my headlight switch.
"Vintage Revolution"
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Current:
1979 Honda CB650 (HardTail Build)
1983 Suzuki GS850L (Fix and Minor Restore)
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Volker_P
Posts: 5508
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:53 am
Location: southern Germany

Re: 1979 CB650 Headlight

Postby Volker_P » Thu Dec 11, 2014 3:15 am

The European CB650's typically have H4 headlights and a mechanic headlight switch without relay beyond the hi/lo switch you have in US, too. Guess they would just swap with the sealed beam inserts. Not that sure for the Z-model however.
Probably the setup provides no optimum headlight power yield, but usually also causes no trouble due to weak components or so (as long as contacts are clean).
Cosky's great (free) online manual: http://cosky0.tripod.com

forum links to common technical issues

If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum

cb650
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Location: Denver CO USA
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Re: 1979 CB650 Headlight

Postby cb650 » Thu Dec 11, 2014 6:18 am

The 81/82 650 US models did have a H4 in it. Youll need the ring also to make it easier.
Did you clean the tank out?!?!?!?!

saber
Posts: 40
Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2013 6:46 pm

Re: 1979 CB650 Headlight

Postby saber » Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:51 pm

Thanks for the advice everyone. I had some time today and installed the H4. It fit right in and cost $42. The hardest part was pushing all the wires out of the way. It is snowing here in Pennsylvania so I do not have a chance to check out the new light vs the old one. Will let you know what I think. Thanks


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