Uk rear light.

[Arch stanton]

Hello.
I will be buying a rear mudguard for my K1. But I don't know the intricacies of what is available & what is not.
So I'm asking. Which parts do I need to avoid having to use the Butt ugly US spec rear light?
Is there any light/numberplate brackets from other models
That will fit?
You help is eagerly awaited.
Sean.

[Bryanj]

Depends on the fitting to mudguard, you can always rill different holes to fit a UK bracket

[Arch stanton]

Morning Bryan.
All the rear guards on ebay appear to have 3 holes set in a triangle patern.
I know the UK spec CB175K2 has the same pattern. But I'm not sure about the spacing. Maybe a 400f or CB350 item would do.
Sean.

[Bryanj]

Thats the US fitting all UK i know about have 4 holes in a rectangleish fittment

[Arch stanton]

If I can find a UK bracket, I may well have to drill holes accordingly. But I'd really like to avoid it if I can.
Plus. I'm not sure I could find a UK item.
Sean.

[Bryanj]

A 500 one will fit and only the super purists will know the difference, I could tell you but then I would have to dispose of you!

[Trigger]

The 550F also fits but, you would have to have a good eye to see the difference 

[Arch stanton]

Subtle differences don't really matter. As I'm not making a sacred cow. I have a shed full of those. I'm not a speculative motorcyclist . I don't see them as investments,  just motorcycles to be ridden. But I cannot ride dogs, the have to as clean & tidy as possible Most of my others are as per factory. But my K1 is different. IMO. There are plenty of perfectly restored CB750's about. When you've see one, well...
My bike will not be original. But will be authentic. Cosmetically tweaked using only components available in the early 70's. I'm trying to mimic the CB750's I saw many German visitors to the TT ride at that time. So anything from that period is fine. As long as it does not involve the huge US tail light.
Speaking of lights. I'm now regretting giving away my Cibie Z beam. I can't even remember who to. Sigh.
Thanks again for your inputs. If anyone know where I can find the bracket of which you speak. Please let me know.
Regards
Sean.

[K2-K6]

Not a Z beam but H180 which has symmetrical lower beam pattern rather than asymmetric of Z
https://www.minisport.com/cibcb082439-cibie-h180-halogen-headlamp-unit-rhd-with-sidelight.html

Look very similar from outside,  depends if you like the dip beam though.

[Arch stanton]

Good tip cheers.  It's bound to be superior to the standard item.
I have read on here about the CB charging system struggling to cope with H4.
When I had my F1's in the 70/80's I used 100/65w H4 in the Cibie without any problems. I did have a relay though.
Sean

[Bryanj]

Basically you will be discharging the battery below about 4,000 rpm, if you can live with riding it loud no problem, I may (or may not) have a light bracket but will not be able to search till mid may due to holiday prep then holiday, If you havent found one by then by all means remind me

[Arch stanton]

Below 4,000rpm  eh. Maybe that's why I never had problems. My riding style has changed since then though.

Thanks for your offer. Hopefully I will have found what I need. But if not I'll give you a nudge.
Sean.

[Rob62]

Not a Z beam but H180 which has symmetrical lower beam pattern rather than asymmetric of Z
https://www.minisport.com/cibcb082439-cibie-h180-halogen-headlamp-unit-rhd-with-sidelight.html

Look very similar from outside,  depends if you like the dip beam though.

Interesting, does this item fit straight into the original honda headlamp bowl or does it require modifying?

[K2-K6]

They are more or less a univereal fitting ( most 7inch units are the same with very, very few exceptions) so will fit with no mods to bike or car headlight shells.

The Z and H 180 units were common to both cars and bikes when originally fitted as higher spec modifications, you'd see them in Mk2 rally escorts,  for example.

Rim tabs and orientation are the same.

If you're not specifically after a Cibie,  then the slightly later Honda fitted "Stanley H4" marked, flat lens glass headlights have a really good beam pattern. They've an almost "searchlight" like main beam that's particularly impressive which I've fitted to rally cars before as they are so good,  especially as a pair.

Bulbs,  I feel the "Phillips white vision xenon effect" with a colour temp of 4300k are the best I can find to use currently. They are nearer the current headlights in that they are blue er, but mostly give the best dip beam performance without going to higher wattage.

Nigel.

[Arch stanton]

Very good information. Very well put.
Cheers Nigel. I now know which way I'm going.
No pun intended.
Sean.