Had a closer look at the DS reflector and I didn't see a fitting for a position light. My CB500K2-ED came with a 55/60 Watts H4 halogen and I never had a charging problem, so I take reports from the US on this with a grain of salt. We must realise Yanks are used to take a motor for distances even as short as to and fro the mailbox, idle a lot at traffic lights and their headlight is already on before the bike is even started, not to mention the good for nothing markerlights in the blinkers that nevertheless consume an extra 16 Watts.
Stay away from cheap halogen bulbs. They won't live long or will offer reduced light soon. From what I've seen, Philips offers the best halogens. In practically every test they come out first (Osram's Nightbreaker is also good). You have the Philips X-treme Vision Moto that was specially designed for motorcycles. If you
don't want your halogen to draw more amps than a conventional 40/45Watts bulb, there's the specially designed Philips Ecovision H4 that draws 20% less than the ordinary halogen. I would not go Led before you have seen independent test results that suggest it's better in
every aspect.
I like to be seen by all those dreamers in cars
Here's a warning. In Europe there are documented cases of accidents where a driver, irritated by the headlight of an oncoming vehicle, steered close to teach the other a lesson and occasionaly steered too close... I'd avoid headlights that irritate others and prefer to stay legal.
So from 1980 on, when I bought my CB500, I've continued using the 55/60 Watts H4 halogen it came with and never had any charging problems. Every ride I return with a better charged battery than I took of with. I don't like to ride in cities. When you install a halogen bulb, avoid touching it with your fingers.
This is what I recently changed in my headlamp, but you need an European headlamp reflector* for it: I replaced the 4 Watts Ba9s position bulb, that is not very useful, by a dito 20 Watts halogen that I now use as my DRL. Saves fuel by saving 35-40 Watts. I looked for a suitable led for that purpose, but an expert explained me the result would be no good without the special reflector a led needs. BTW, I'm still looking for a stylish switch to mount on the handlebar so I can just switch the pilot light on
only and
without the taillight and instruments lights. Whenever I'd need those, like on entering a tunnel, I could still switch the standard Honda RH handlebar to "P" and so add instruments lights and taillight.
*I'd have an European headlight reflector suitable for H4. Cibié, Hella, Bosch, Marchal are all good
and aproved!) and with the Philips X-treme Vision Moto H4 in it, you'll have the very best. On countryroads in the dark the UStype sealed beam headlamp is next to useless. For you in UK the reflector must ofcourse be suitable for left hand drive. For me leds in the gauges are annoyingly bright. I have normal 3 Watts bulbs (x 4).
