Hey, all. I was riding home this evening, and I realized the low beam on my 2002 CBR600F4i was not functioning. I powered the bike on and switched the headlight low/high beam switch several times, but to no avail. Only my high beam is funtioning (Thank god for that, at least -- otherwise, i couldn't have rode home). I've never had any problems with it before. The longest it could have been non-functional is 2 days, since I rode at night Tuesday the 31st.

I'm about 90% sure that the bulb just needs to be replaced. I checked out all the other lights, and they're all functional. The only reason why I think there may possibly be a problem with the wiring is because I just took my fairings off last night to change the oil -- perhaps I pinched a wire somewhere when I put them back on? I don't know, but I really don't think that's likely. If anyone disagrees, please let me know.

In any case, until I test it with a multimeter, I'm assuming that the headlight does indeed need to be replaced. I see that the type of bulb is an H7 (correct me if I'm wrong). I've got a few questions:

1. What is decent to buy? I'd really like to have a little more powerful lighting if I can get it, and not significantly affect the bike's electrical system or anything else.
2. Can I get it pretty much anywhere? Just curious, even though I'd probably buy it online anyway.
3. Do I have to replace the bulbs in pairs? And even if I don't have to, is it generally a good idea?
4. Do I have to purchase two different kinds of headlight bulbs (i.e. one specific kind for the low beam and a different kind for the high beam?)
5. Any other relavent comments, suggestions, or warnings are very welcome.

Thanks so much everybody, I really appreciate the help.

 

i had the same thing happen to me. i have a 01 929 and i went to xenonkings.com and bought a 10k hid kit. it was around 175.00 for the kit.very easy to install. took about 15mins.hids last for years, draw less current andare atleast 2x brighter the stock. i love mine and wouldnt settle for anything less.

 

Yep. An HID kit makes all the difference. I just ordered my 4th one today (two of them got put on my roommates bikes, the new one on my bike and the older one from my bike now gets installed in my car.)

I order them from this place.........

http://stores.ebay.com/HID-Outdoor-E...QQftidZ1QQtZkm

$97 bucks for an HID kit is NOT BAD at all, considering they haven't let me down, and their customer service is excellent.

I recommend the 6000k temperature though. The 10000k's look great, until a 6000k pulls right up. The 6k's are brighter, whiter on the road, and have more of a purple-ish tint to them rather the dark blue the 10000k's produce. I have the 10k's in my bike now, and just ordered the 6k's because I got jealous of the kits I installed in my roommates bikes.

 

HID's are damn expensive check out one of our site sponsors. I think they sell the H7 bulbs pretty cheap and they're not the 100 watt suckers that melt everything.

 

So HID is the way to go, huh? Can anyone else recommend Blue Fox's suggestion? I read a little on the seller's page, and it looks like they don't have a relay for the lights -- its plug in play. I've heard (don't remember where) that most HID kits without a relay kinda suck -- does anyone know about that?

Also, does anybody think there is ANY possibility i may have pinched a wire or something when I put the fairing back on? Just curious. Thanks for the comments, everyone.

 

Your bike already has a headlight relay, why would the HID kit need another one?

The kit includes the wiring harness (which is plug and play of course.)........and there is an inline fuse for each ballast. The ballasts have built-in igniters and auto-shut-off incase something tries to fry or spike or arc. (maybe that's what you meant about the relay).

Like I said, I have bought 4 of them already, and each one is remarkable for only being $98 bucks (and yes, I was EXTREMELY skeptical at first.)

I have the new 6000k in my bike, the same kit on my roommates 06 600RR, as well as the same kit on my other roommates 07 600RR. As well as the 10000k in my car. 4 kits, same seller, no problems.

 

Spectacular, I'm sold! I've double checked the wiring, and the bulb must be blown, because the wires are putting out 12 volts. So, I guess I'll go ahead and make a purchase.

Blue Fox: I'd like to follow your suggestion and get as close to natural light as possible. Would it be a bad idea to go as low as 5000k?
Would these headlights work for me? My bike is yellow, and I'd just kinda like to get a closer match if I can.

However, I care more about being able to see clearly in most/all weather conditions. Out of these, it sounds like 10,000 would not be the best idea, since its too cool of a color. So, would you suggest 5,000k, 6500k, or 8000k?

Edit:
I just did a little bit of research and found some pictures comparing the light outputs. I've made my choice -- 5000k it is! Blue Fox, I've looked at your write-up, and I plan to study it when i get mine. I'm excited [sm=bounceybounce.gif]

 

he is right 6k is the brightest, but the color of hids differ slightly depending on brand. my 10k is more than 2x brighter than stock and the brightness differance between 6k and 10k is really not that much. 3k=yellow 5-6k=natural light 8k= lightblue with avery light purple tint 10k=deep blue 12k= pure purple. either way hid is the way to go.

 

So, its technically illegal to install HID bulbs into the housings on our bikes unless they're specifically designed for it?

 

4300K are the whitest and brightest. No hint of blue at all.