Headlight wattage question

**Mon Aug 10, 2009 5:12 am » Post: #1 » Download Post**

Finding replacement headlight bulbs for the NSR is a pain. Yes you can order ST1100/VFR/Goldwing bulbs, but selection is still pretty limited. Shims are available that will convert the bulbs to H4, but the wattage on H4's are usually 60/55. From what I was able to dig up searching, there is a possibility that the relay/switch could fry with the increased wattage. Lots of mention of this happening on 400s, but not 250s.

Does anyone have experience running H4 bulbs on their NSR? This would open up a whole new world of crappy aftermarket bulbs to choose from at the local auto parts store! Laughing

**Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:14 pm » Post: #2 » Download Post**

On that wattage question above, I have seen those HID conversion kits floating around that use 35W - well within the NSR bulb specs. This seems like a viable alternative. The only thing I am not sure of is if the current draw when the bulbs initially fire up can fry something.

Anyone with motorcycle HID experience?

**Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:42 pm » Post: #3 » Download Post**

Got one on my BMW, but it's not really relevant.

The best thing to do is run a seperate line from the battery to the light bulb, using a relay switched by the original light wire. Nothing frys, the bulb gets max power.

I have heard HID lights craze plastic after a while, because they burn hotter and give off different frequency light to normal bulbs.

Never seen it myself...
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Last edited by Dave Ett on Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:10 am; edited 1 time in total

**Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:55 pm » Post: #4 » Download Post**

I have a HID headlight on my NSR. Don't know what wattage it is though. I'll try and take a pic of the unit for ya.

**Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:18 pm » Post: #5 » Download Post**

apexxn

I would love to see those pics! Do you have any issues with beam scatter with the HID or is it pretty close to stock halogens?

**Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:45 am » Post: #6 » Download Post**

The unit is mounted behind the right side mid panel it. It is a 35 watt.

I was going to remove it because it seemed a little too starbucks, but after riding with it I've been told I'm more visible.

Yea the beam isn't the greatest after it gets dark but I don't ride this bike at night usually, so it hasn't been an issue.

**Sat Aug 22, 2009 4:21 am » Post: #7 » Download Post**

I went ahead and got the H4 converter shims, as well as a pair of H4 bulbs from the local auto store. While they needed a bit of rotary tooling to get the proper fit, everything lines up perfectly. So far the bulbs work great, and I haven't encountered any problems with the electrical system. I'd highly recommend this "upgrade" if you are tired of looking for special Honda bulbs in the states.