Old school motorcycle headlight

Types of Old School Motorcycle Headlight

Old school motorcycle headlights come in various types, each designed to enhance visibility and safety on the road. Here are some common types:

• Reflector headlights

  Reflector headlights are among the most used motorcycle headlights, especially in old-school motorcycles. The design uses a parabolic reflector behind the bulb to focus light into a beam. The reflector's shape enables it to direct light outward, producing a focused and bright beam. The bulbs used in reflector headlights come in various wattages, allowing customization of the light's brightness. However, these headlights have a drawback of uneven light distribution, which can create blind spots or insufficient lighting in certain areas.

• Projector headlights

  Projector headlights are becoming popular among motorcycle enthusiasts, especially in modern designs. These headlights feature an ellipsoidal reflector and a lens that work together to focus light into a tight beam. The reflector and lens help enhance light intensity and focus compared to reflector headlights. Additionally, projector headlights produce a more uniform light distribution, reducing blind spots and improving visibility. Another notable feature of projector headlights is that they can be equipped with color-changing RGB or halo rings. The RGB or halo rings offer added customization and style to the motorcycle.

• LED headlights

  LED headlights are a common upgrade for old-school motorcycles. The headlights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source. Compared to traditional bulb-based headlights, LED headlights produce brighter and whiter light. The brightness and color improve visibility for the rider and make the motorcycle more visible to other road users. Additionally, LED headlights are energy efficient, consuming less power from the motorcycle's electrical system. The longer lifespan of LED headlights also reduces the need for frequent replacements. Due to these benefits, many riders choose to upgrade their motorcycles with LED headlights. The upgrade enhances safety and adds a modern touch to old-school motorcycles.

• Halo headlights

  Halo headlights, also known as angel eyes, are a popular design feature in old school motorcycle headlights. The headlights have a distinctive appearance with one or two rings surrounding the main light. These rings glow and are available in various colors, including white, blue, and green. Halo headlights serve as daytime running lights, enhancing the motorcycle's visibility to other road users, especially during the day. While halo headlights produce limited illumination on their own, they are often combined with projector or LED main lights for adequate nighttime lighting.

• Dual headlight setups

  Some old-school motorcycles, particularly choppers and custom builds, feature dual headlight setups. The dual setup, consisting of two headlights, provides wider illumination and improved visibility for the rider. The dual headlights can be reflector or projector types, each with its benefits. Dual projector headlights with halo rings offer a more modern and stylish appearance, making them a popular choice among riders looking to upgrade their old-school motorcycles.

Specification and Maintenance of Old School Motorcycle Headlight

• Regular cleaning

  Old school motorcycle headlights should be kept clean so that visibility is not compromised. Headlight lenses should be wiped with a microfiber cloth dampened with water or an automotive cleaner to remove dirt, bugs, and grime.

• Checking the alignment

  Proper headlight alignment is crucial for safe riding at night. A well-aligned headlight should light up the road ahead without blinding oncoming traffic. The motorcycle's manual should be checked to know how to correctly aim the headlight.

• Inspecting the housing

  Glass or aluminum housings should be checked for cracks, chips, or rust. Any damage reduces the headlight's ability to withstand weather and road conditions. Broken parts should be replaced as needed.

• Checking for moisture

  The headlight housing should be checked for moisture or water droplets inside. This indicates the housing is not sealed correctly. The rubber grommets and seals should be examined for holes or wear. They should be replaced to keep water out.

• Polishing the lens

  Glass lenses that become dull or yellowed should be polished with a product designed for motorcycle headlights. This restores clarity. A bright lens helps other drivers see the bike better.

• Inspecting the reflector

  The reflector behind the bulb that directs light forward should be checked. It should be shiny, not rusted or damaged. A smooth, reflective surface is needed to correctly aim the light where it's needed.

• Checking the switch

  The switch used to turn the headlight on and off should be tested. It should smoothly change between settings, indicating it is working properly. Loose wiring connections should be tightened to prevent the headlight from flickering or failing.

• Inspecting the lens

  Plastic lenses should be examined for cracks or yellowing. UV rays from the sun can damage unprotected plastic over time. Glass lenses provide better durability against weathering.

• Checking for moisture

  The headlight housing should be checked for moisture or water droplets inside. This indicates the housing is not sealed correctly. The rubber grommets and seals and should be examined for holes or wear. They should be replaced to keep water out.

How to choose old school motorcycle headlight

• Light output

  The goal of any headlight is to provide sufficient light for safe riding. Consider the lumen output of the headlights being evaluated. More lumens mean a brighter light. However, it's not just about how bright the light is - the beam pattern matters too. A focused beam will light up the road further than a wide beam with less intensity.

• Construction and durability

  Choose headlights made of strong materials like aluminum or high-quality plastics that can handle being outside. They also need to withstand the vibrations from riding. The lights should meet military standards for surviving rough treatment and have an IP rating to show how well they resist dust and water.

• Ease of installation

  It's best to get headlights that are simple to install without a lot of extra work. Look for ones with installation instructions and all the needed parts included. Headlights that fit well into the motorcycle's existing light holder are ideal. They should connect easily using the same wiring that is already there.

• Compatibility

  The voltage and other technical details of the new headlights must match what the motorcycle uses to avoid problems. They should also be the right size and shaped properly to fit into the light holder without issues. It's good to check that the headlights will work well with the specific make and model of the motorcycle being ridden.

• Design and aesthetics

  Consider how the headlight design will match the overall look of the motorcycle. Different designs, shapes, and colors are available. It's good to select one that fits with the other parts of the bike so everything looks good together.

• Price and warranty

  Decide how much money can be spent on a new headlight for the motorcycle. These lights can range from low-cost options to more expensive choices depending on the features. It's also good to look for headlights that come with a promise from the maker that they will work correctly for a certain period of time.

How to DIY and Replace Old School Motorcycle Headlight

The headlight replacement process is quite simple and can be done at home. Before then, some tools needed for this process are:

• New bulb or complete headlight assembly
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Gloves
• Towel or cloth

To replace old motorcycle headlights, follow the steps below:

• 1. First, ensure the motorcycle is turned off, and the headlight switch is also off to avoid draining the battery.
• 2. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the headlight trim ring.
• 3. Once the screws are removed, carefully take out the trim ring and set it aside.
• 4. Next, remove the old bulb. This can be done by twisting and pulling it out.
• 5. Now, install the new bulb or complete headlight assembly. Ensure it is securely and properly fitted.
• 6. After that, put back the trim ring and secure it with the screws.
• 7. Finally, check if the headlight is properly working.

Q and A

Q1: What is the 7-inch motorcycle headlight used for?

A1: The 7-inch motorcycle headlight is designed to provide illumination for riders of motorcycles with a headlight that is 7 inches in diameter. This specific size is standard on many older motorcycles. The 7-inch motorcycle headlight is used to replace or upgrade existing headlights on vintage-style bikes.

Q2: What is the 5.75 motorcycle headlight used for?

A2: The 5.75 motorcycle headlight is smaller than the 7-inch variant, measuring 5.75 inches in diameter. This size is often found on smaller motorcycles or used in custom builds to maintain a more compact front end. The 5.75-inch headlights offer adequate lighting but may not project as far or be as bright as the larger 7-inch models.

Q3: Why are some old school motorcycle headlights yellow?

A3: The yellowing of old-school motorcycle headlights can be attributed to aging, particularly the glass lens, which can take on a brownish tint over time. Additionally, some vintage motorcycles were equipped with bulbs that emitted a warmer, yellowish light compared to the whiter light produced by modern bulbs. This was more common before the widespread adoption of halogen and HID technology.

Q4: How can the yellowness be removed from old-school motorcycle headlights?

A4: For glass and plastic lenses, abrasives like polish or fine grit sandpaper can remove surface discoloration. Specialized headlight restoration kits are also available for this purpose. Replacing the bulb with a brighter, whiter alternative can help. When bulbs with warmer tones were used, manufacturers began producing LED replacements that closely match the original bulb appearance.

Q5: Why do some old motorcycles have dual headlights?

A5: Some vintage motorcycle models, especially those designed for touring or higher-speed use, were equipped with dual headlights. The reasons for this were primarily safety through increased visibility at night and better overall light distribution. Additionally, dual headlights can give motorcycles a more aggressive, sporty appearance, which some riders prefer.