Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: paulbaker1954 on June 16, 2017, 11:40:33 PM
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Seem to remember a post about this but can't find it
I have upgraded to a 55/60 headlight and when on idle at lights the flash rate drops to very slow.
I am assuming that this is because the voltage drops off due to the higher light current draw
Is there a simple fix any of you gurus out there can suggest
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If originality is not paramount to you, try a flasher unit rated for led indicators. They are electronic rather than mechanical, and have a constant flash rate regardless of voltage, and as the unit is behind the side panel nobody else will know!
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Here's an observation I made the other day. When I replace a 18 Watts indicator bulb by a 21 Watts one, flash rate increases.
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Replace your tail light and indicators with LED's. Get a new LED flasher relay. Get a Phillips Eco H4 headlamp bulb. Total cost for me was about £16. Haven't had to think about my electrical system since.
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Here's an observation I made the other day. When I replace a 18 Watts indicator bulb by a 21 Watts one, flash rate increases.
That's because the heating coil within the flasher unit heats faster, and consequently breaks the circuit faster, causing a faster flash rate. Electronic flasher units which are used for led bulbs have a constant flash rate, unaffected by different wattage bulbs, even a blown bulb will not affect the flash rate of the remaining bulb.
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even a blown bulb will not affect the flash rate of the remaining bulb.
I consider that a shortcoming actually. These electronic flash units, don't they need extra diodes? I am not fond of Led blinkers and brakelights. I find them quite 'dead' compared to the lively glow on glow off bulbs that thus draw more attention.
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No, they don't need any diodes/resistors etc if used with conventional bulbs. I know indicators not flashing with a conventional flasher is a useful warning that a bulb has failed, but it can also mess about if all earths are not clean etc. The advantages of electronic flasher units far outweigh the inconvenience of checking the indicators before riding, which as a responsible rider you would do anyway, along with headlight, tail and brake light? Too many years driving buses and coaches make it second nature to me!
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The advantages of electronic flasher units far outweigh the inconvenience of checking the indicators before riding
But... you don't have to with conventional (and that was my point): the changed flash rate will tell you rightaway, where as the electronic will tell you nothing.
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If originality is not paramount to you, try a flasher unit rated for led indicators. They are electronic rather than mechanical, and have a constant flash rate regardless of voltage, and as the unit is behind the side panel nobody else will know!
Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
Sounds like a plan any source/ manufacturer recommendations
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Just for anyone else ...
I got one of these from flea bay forest £2.50 inc delivery
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201730668979 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201730668979)
Fits really snug using the rubber original mount point where the old one did and works a treat -- you can even change the flash rate.
Works fine with the standard filament bulbs and constant flash rate with lights on even with my 55/60W upgraded light and at any revs
I guess the benefit of electronics over bi-metallic strips from the 70's😀😀
Personally an upgrade I'd highly recommend may not please the purists but I'd go for safety and visibility any time over purism!!
I'll be at Crich on Sunday if anyone there wants a look
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Glad you're happy with the result, and nobody can see it hidden away on the bike!
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Got one on mine, only in black. As you say; more reliable than the old bimetallic strip types.
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If you're running original filament lamps x 4 it will be interesting to see if it burns out as it's only rated for 2 x 21w lamps plus the idiot/pilot lamp. I think from memory they're 21w each and a 5w pilot. Obviously leds are rated much less which is what I guess this unit is aimed at.
Peter
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I've had mine for a few years with no bother, maybe that rating is continuous not intermittent.
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If you're running original filament lamps x 4 it will be interesting to see if it burns out
x4? How is that? Do you have plans to turn left and right simultaneously?
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It's for when he's got the hazards on. ;D
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If you're running original filament lamps x 4 it will be interesting to see if it burns out
x4? How is that? Do you have plans to turn left and right simultaneously?
Didn't think that through did I? I was trying to multitask at the time.
Peter
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I missed that as well and I'm an electrical bod.
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If you're running original filament lamps x 4 it will be interesting to see if it burns out as it's only rated for 2 x 21w lamps plus the idiot/pilot lamp. I think from memory they're 21w each and a 5w pilot. Obviously leds are rated much less which is what I guess this unit is aimed at.
Peter
The ones I bought were rated 0-250w, so no problems there!