Many bikes have crap lights due to voltage drops in cable which arise from small cables, long cable runs, switches and connectors. This tip, reproduced with permission from Rapid Bikes Magazine, gives a step by step guide on how to get decent lighting. If you have twin headlights, like the CBR250RR and the ZXR250, buy relays with 5 terminals where they have terminal numbers 30, 85, 86 and TWO 87s. In this case run from one relay to both low beams and from the other relay to both high beams. You can buy cable from stores like Jaycar and Dick Smiths Electronics. Car audio places are good too. I like the really flexible cables that are usually marked as AWG (American Wire Gauge.) I use 12 or 10 gauge for the red cables and 8 gauge for the single black back to battery negative. If you don't want to buy new headlight connectors, you can cut the existing cables near the connector and join the new heavier cables to them. Obviously you need to use the old wiring to connect back to the relays. For twin headlights, individually tape each wire to one headlight and use the other cut wires to connect back to the new relays. Richard
thanks Richard, I vivdly recall the first time I rode my CBR250RR at night, it was quite harowing, I couldnt see diddly squat, this mod is a must for all CBR250 owners. Im not displeased with the ZXR250C headlight, both high and low beams are pretty good IMO. thanks Chris
Both the CBR and XZR can be better. Both run 35 low and 35 high and twin headlights, so 70W all up. I modded the CBR with a Dremel to take standard H4 of 55 low and 60 high. The 35/35 bulbs have tabs/wings in a different position to H4. I just cut grooves in the housing so an H4 would fit. There a 2 problems though using twin H4. 1 - starting - on the CBR the headlights are on at key on, so it will be pulling 110W from the battery instead of 70W, so less juice for starting. The ZXR electricals are lights off whilst starting, which is sensible. 2 - engine idling as in sitting at stop lights - I understand that the alternators do not put out big power, so extended idling will be sucking juice from the battery. For bikes that are not lights off at cranking, there is a very simple way to make this happen. I will post this in Tech Tips when I have a chance to write it up. Richard
