Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Aftermarket or upgrade headlights for XT? Aftermarket or upgrade headlights for XT?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jul 2013
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Lightbulb Aftermarket or upgrade headlights for XT?
Hey guys!

I'm here thinking of upgrading my stock headlight unit from my 1990 XT600E (with a 2003 XT600E blue shroud) to one that would give me some benefits such as better lightning and styling.

What are you guys using on your XT's to replace the Stock headlight units?
Share them with us and don't forget to post some pictures!



Vando
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jul 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 827
I used one of those HID conversions on an atv , and it was considerably more brighter and the hue was that bluish tint where you could see things more like daylight. I've been eyeing the kits up for my XT but the cost of them and how little I ride at night(we have deer and several other critters that you WILL hit sooner or later), has stopped me so far.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Jul 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Southampton, England
Posts: 110
All the HID conversions I have seen on ebay are single filament - so no main beam. And no way am I fitting one of those and aiming it like a main beam. Also not prepared to aim it properly and drive at night with no main beam. That was my Plan A so I am watching this thread with interest for Plan B.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Jul 2013
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Hey guys!

jjrider: Yeah it does give you a lot more brightness on the road..whoever, Cops over here do not like to see any "bluish" headlights (and it's actually illegal in almost every country) so I use 4300K 55w bulbs that put out very bright white light without "bluish" tone..
Right I'm using the stock 55w Halogen since my hid ballast is dead...

Bandit127: if should search by H4-2, which is HID main beam and Halogen high beam OR H4-3, which is a single filament but it's a telescopic bulb (meaning the bulb moves up or down with the use of a electro-magnectic solenoid to give you main beams or high beams)!

I do have one of those bi-xenon H4-3 55w 4300K kits but right now I'm waiting for a new good quality 55W AC ballast to arrive as mine is dead..should be here in a couple of weeks..

Thing is, it's still not legal and it doesn't give us a safe light output pattern that won't blind traffic in front of us or the on-coming..
I'd really like to have a good and safe!
It probably still won't be fully legal but I'd have some peace of mind!


Vando
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Jul 2013
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Well, the only other way that is "almost legal" is to use an HID projector lens that has a good cut-off pattern..

But the only ones that will fit inside the Stock headlight unit I believe are too small to give one proper results..thy are only 2.5" lens diameter and there isn't a 55w bulb version for it and the output light looks like this:



If I had a 2nd stock headlight unit so i could modify and share the info on how EXACTLY to modify the unit, I'd buy a Good big lens Projector and fit it to the Stock headlight unit!
That would give an output of much better quality than this image I posted above because it uses some modified proprietary bulbs..

Or if I could get my hands either of these:



Vando
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Jul 2013
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,371
Terrible light from the ones that use the halogen like you have pict of here.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Jul 2013
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
The objective of those two headlights is to retrofit bi-xenon projector lenses like these:

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Jul 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 827
Would you be willing to put some small add-on lights that you hook up to the high beam circuit? then you have the extra lights on high but they shut off when on low. We have a company over here Trailtech that makes a bunch of different light pods that are quite bright and look stylish, I've used them on several quads also and like them. Lighting at Trail Tech Home
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Jul 2013
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Hey!
Yeah I know Trailtech.. I got a Vapor computer on my XT have you tried the Vector computer?

Well, yeah I could.. It would definitely work! but it's just not aesthetically pleasing imho on something as "thin" as a 2-wheeler.. that's my opinion, there is a lot of people with a lot of opinions different than mine

Still I think I've started to deviate a bit from the first post already.. could we keep up at it?


Vando
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Jul 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 827
I've owned 3 Endurance's and 4 Vapor's (2 only lasted 1year even kept indoors),was looking at the Vector or Striker, though they keep dropping functions that I want.

ya,
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Jul 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Osram nightbreaker bulb, run through relays works pretty good.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Jul 2013
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,371
Philips x-treme is recomended and for me they last alot longer than Osram nightbreaker.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Temp import UK bike with aftermarket exhaust pympster North America 11 12 Apr 2013 15:58
Aftermarket bash plate for KLE and rear disc guard MadM Kawasaki Tech 14 2 Jan 2013 11:02
Headlights in Peru Siffredi99 South America 8 28 Sep 2012 10:55
Front brake upgrade Alpinewheels Yamaha Tech 10 21 May 2012 14:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:19.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top